This module will run in both teaching blocks 1 & 2, 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 learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 300 hours of activities, split between 72 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 228 hours of directed and independent study, together with preparation for and completion of assessment tasks.

WORKSHOP SESSIONS
These weekly two-hour workshops provide opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of essential law related skills. A variety of interactive and practical sessions encourage and develop individual and collaborative learning to include group research exercises and presentations including assessment presentation. There are no large group lectures for this module.

DIRECTED AND INDEPENDENT STUDY (228 hours)
Independent study includes research and preparation for the work to be undertaken in the smaller group sessions and consolidation of understanding afterwards. Directed study opportunities, such as online tests, are provided to enable students to revise key topics at important stages in the module. Directed and independent study aims to develop a deeper understanding of issues within the area of crime and deviancy. Students are provided with guidance in their module materials, including via Blackboard. Completion of the tasks encourages students to assess their progress, identify strengths and weaknesses and manage their time more effectively.
Pre-seen guidance to support research for the assessment is provided.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT:

All of the Learning Outcomes will be assessed by :

Teaching Block 1:
- Essay of 1500 words maximum (50% of total mark)
Assessing learning outcomes 1 - 4

Teaching Block 2:
- An Independent Presentation submission (50% of total mark)
Assessing learning outcomes 1 - 5

To pass the module, students must obtain an average mark of at least 40% .


Additional Assessment Details:

Working towards the assessment tasks will be a key element of the learning, and tutors will be available to guide students through the process. Face to face contact sessions focussed on assessment activities will be scheduled into the timetable.

Module Study Guide

Access to appropriate primary and secondary legal resources

Computing facilities to access material available via Blackboard, and the Web.

Specialist software / databases (Lexis-Nexis, Westlaw)

Knowles, J. Effective Legal Research. (3rd Edition, Sweet & Maxwell, 2012)

Higgins, E., & Tatham, L. Successful Legal Writing. (2nd Edition, Sweet & Maxwell, 2010).

Finch, E., & Fafinski, S. Legal Skills. (5th Edition, Oxford University Press, 2015)

1. DEMONSTRATE AN EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO ONLINE & PAPER-BASED LEARNING
Learning
Enquiry

2. DEMONSTRATE COMPETENCE IN PLANNING FOR ASSESSMENTS.
Analysis
Application
Problem-solving

3. DEMONSTRATE EFFECTIVE WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS INCLUDING CLEAR STRUCTURE, CONTINUOUS PROSE, CORRECT GRAMMAR AND REFERENCING.
Communication

4. DEVELOP AND DEMONSTRATE A CRITICAL AND REFLECTIVE APPROACH TO STUDY AND RESEARCH MATERIALS.
Reflection

5. DEVELOP A REFLECTIVE AND PRO-ACTIVE APPROACH TO CAREER PLANNING.
Knowledge
Understanding
Reflection