Module LAW3047A for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
LAW3047A: Comparative Law Dissertation
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.
Module Aims
The aim of the Comparative Law Dissertation module is to give you the opportunity to develop further your independent research and argumentation skills, and to acquire knowledge on a discrete set of legal issues chosen by you. The module also aims to encourage and inspire you to engage critically with legal research and scholarship on a specific research question. It further aims to give you the opportunity to engage in comparative work, namely to identify, collect, and process research materials from the jurisdiction of England and Wales as compared with the study abroad jurisdiction in which you have spent your third year. It provides particularly good practice in carrying out and presenting legal research if you are considering post-graduate degrees.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Identify, define and construct a critical analysis of a discrete research topic in Law from a comparative perspective and using comparative methodology; 2. Identify and define key research questions and hypotheses about the chosen comparative research topic; 3. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the selected legal issues acquired through independent research and study; |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 4. Integrate and assess information from a comprehensive range of relevant legal materials; 5. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a range of complex legal issues and their contextual implications, where relevant; 6. Evaluate critically the materials considered and used for the Dissertation; |
| Personal and Key Skills | 7. Plan and undertake tasks efficiently, to reflect critically on the learning process and to make effective use of feedback from the supervision process; 8. Work independently, to manage time efficiently and meet strict deadlines; 9. Develop and structure an argument over a sustained piece of writing and in an effective manner; |
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Log | You are expected to write about 200 words per week in your log. | 1-2, 4, 6-9 | You may discuss with your supervisor specific issues arising in your research and noted in your log; peer feedback available through research discussion meetings. |
| A sample may be submitted to your supervisor for feedback as set out in the module handbook. | 2,500 words | 1-9 | Individual oral and/or written feedback from supervisor during supervision meetings as set out in the module handbook. |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparative Dissertation | 100 | 12,000 words | 1-9 | Written feedback and (if needed) individual meeting with supervisor |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparative Dissertation | Comparative Dissertation(12,000 words) | 1-9 | August/September reassessment period |
Re-assessment notes
It is expected that students who fail their dissertation will re-submit it on the same topic to reflect on and learn from the feedback they will have received on the dissertation originally submitted. Any derogation from this will have to be discussed with and approved by the module convenor.
