Module Descriptors
LEGAL METHODS
LAWS31250
Key Facts
School of Justice, Security and Sustainability
Level 3
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Julie Smith
Email: Jules.Smith@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 48
Independent Study Hours: 252
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- PRESENTATION - INDIVIDUAL weighted at 50%
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Learning Strategies
Workshop sessions: weekly two-hour workshops provide opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of essential law-related skills. A variety of interactive and practical sessions encourages the and develop individual and collaborative learning to include group research exercises and presentations including assessment preparation. There are no large-group lectures for this module.
24 hours per teaching block / 48 hours total.
Directed study and independent learning: students are expected to conduct independent and directed preparatory and follow-up reading where appropriate and complete directed research via an integrated weekly programme of learning guidance and activities including assessment preparation.
126 hours per teaching block / 252 total
24 hours per teaching block / 48 hours total.
Directed study and independent learning: students are expected to conduct independent and directed preparatory and follow-up reading where appropriate and complete directed research via an integrated weekly programme of learning guidance and activities including assessment preparation.
126 hours per teaching block / 252 total
Module Texts
Materials will be provided for each session, but students may find the following recommended texts useful for additional reading:
Knowles, John. Effective Legal Research. Sweet & Maxwell
Higgins, Edwina; Tatham, Laura. Successful Legal Writing. Sweet & Maxwell
Finch, Emily; Fafinski, Stefan. Legal Skills. Oxford University Press
Carr, Helen. Skills for Law Students. Oxford University Press.
Knowles, John. Effective Legal Research. Sweet & Maxwell
Higgins, Edwina; Tatham, Laura. Successful Legal Writing. Sweet & Maxwell
Finch, Emily; Fafinski, Stefan. Legal Skills. Oxford University Press
Carr, Helen. Skills for Law Students. Oxford University Press.
Module Resources
Students will need access to a computer with internet access. In addition, access to Microsoft Office; Westlaw and/or Lexis Nexis; textbooks and law journals; legislation and case reports; newspapers and other reference materials.
Module Indicative Content
This module will run in both teaching blocks one and two and students will be introduced to a variety of generic study skills and law-specific skills which provide the basis for effective study in other modules and work towards the aims of the Staffordshire Graduate attributes.
The module aims to provide a working knowledge of available IT and legal resources; learning style evaluation; research via paper-based and online methods; assessment preparation and revision techniques; written and oral presentation skills; individual and group working; personal development and career planning.
This module also develops an initial contribution towards the Staffordshire Graduate attribute of employability.
The module aims to provide a working knowledge of available IT and legal resources; learning style evaluation; research via paper-based and online methods; assessment preparation and revision techniques; written and oral presentation skills; individual and group working; personal development and career planning.
This module also develops an initial contribution towards the Staffordshire Graduate attribute of employability.
Module Additional Assessment Details
An ASSIGMT length 1500 WORDS weighted at 50% assessing learning outcomes 1-4
An IND PRESENTAT submission weighted at 50% assessing learning outcomes 1-5
The first assignment comprises an annotated bibliography requiring a thorough understanding of research methodology, effective planning, reflective practice and communication skills.
The second assignment comprises a submitted PowerPoint presentation requiring, in addition to the above, effective presentation skills, reflective practice and career awareness and employability.
Students will also participate formatively in team-working exercises, generic and law-specific communication skills, presentation skills and develop learning strategies based upon their own learning styles.
An IND PRESENTAT submission weighted at 50% assessing learning outcomes 1-5
The first assignment comprises an annotated bibliography requiring a thorough understanding of research methodology, effective planning, reflective practice and communication skills.
The second assignment comprises a submitted PowerPoint presentation requiring, in addition to the above, effective presentation skills, reflective practice and career awareness and employability.
Students will also participate formatively in team-working exercises, generic and law-specific communication skills, presentation skills and develop learning strategies based upon their own learning styles.