Module Descriptors
THE LANGUAGE OF LAW
LAWS31304
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 3
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Diane Atherton-Blenkiron
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 72
Independent Study Hours: 228
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- Attendance and contribution at workshop weighted at 20%
- Written examination under examination conditions weighted at 30%
- On-line examination - multiple choice test under exam conditions weighted at 50%
Module Details
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This module will run in both teaching blocks 1 & 2, and students will be introduced to the history, development and use of English language in the legal sector.
The module will cultivate specific vocabulary for legal English, improve English language skills for other modules and develop communication skills.
The module develops the use of English for negotiating, explaining and telephoning skills whilst working on specific legal areas such as contracts and employment law.
This module also develops an initial contribution towards the Staffordshire Graduate attribute of employability.
The module will cultivate specific vocabulary for legal English, improve English language skills for other modules and develop communication skills.
The module develops the use of English for negotiating, explaining and telephoning skills whilst working on specific legal areas such as contracts and employment law.
This module also develops an initial contribution towards the Staffordshire Graduate attribute of employability.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. DEMONSTRATE AN EFFECTIVE USE OF THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF LEGAL ENGLISH.
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. DEMONSTRATE THE PRINCIPLES OF AN ENGLISH WRITING STYLE APPROPRIATE FOR EMPLOYMENT IN THE LEGAL SECTOR.
Knowledge & Understanding
Reflection
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. DEMONSTRATE THE PRINCIPLES OF AN ENGLISH WRITING STYLE APPROPRIATE FOR EMPLOYMENT IN THE LEGAL SECTOR.
Knowledge & Understanding
Reflection
LEARNING STRATEGIES
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.
WHOLE GROUP SESSIONS
In these sessions, students are introduced to the general concepts underlying the subject, and provided with an outline of the history, development and usage of legal English. Teaching materials, including the use of the VLE platform, supplement the sessions. These sessions guide students towards consolidating their knowledge and understanding.
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.
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.
WHOLE GROUP SESSIONS
In these sessions, students are introduced to the general concepts underlying the subject, and provided with an outline of the history, development and usage of legal English. Teaching materials, including the use of the VLE platform, supplement the sessions. These sessions guide students towards consolidating their knowledge and understanding.
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.
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.
RESOURCES
Module Study Guide
Access to appropriate primary and secondary legal resources
Computing facilities to access material available via Blackboard, and the Web.
Access to appropriate primary and secondary legal resources
Computing facilities to access material available via Blackboard, and the Web.
TEXTS
Haigh, R (2015) Legal English, Routledge.
Finch, E. and Fafinski, S. (2015) Legal Skills OUP Oxford.
Finch, E. and Fafinski, S. (2015) Legal Skills OUP Oxford.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Attendance and contribution to Workshops 20%
Examination weighted at 30%. Online multiple choice test weighted at 50%
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT:
All learning outcomes are assessed by a combination of written and online assessments:
Teaching Block 1 and 2:
Attendance and contribution to workshops 20%
Teaching Block 1:
Written examination under timed conditions 1 hour weighted at 30%
Teaching Block 2:
Online electronic multiple choice test under timed conditions 2 hours weighted at 50%
Additional Assessment Details
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT:
Formative assessment during the module supports the learning and encourages progress. Its aim is to provide useful feedback to students prior to the summative assessment. The feedback obtained following the marking of the first written exam in particular assists students in developing and improving their approach to the second teaching block.
Examination weighted at 30%. Online multiple choice test weighted at 50%
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT:
All learning outcomes are assessed by a combination of written and online assessments:
Teaching Block 1 and 2:
Attendance and contribution to workshops 20%
Teaching Block 1:
Written examination under timed conditions 1 hour weighted at 30%
Teaching Block 2:
Online electronic multiple choice test under timed conditions 2 hours weighted at 50%
Additional Assessment Details
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT:
Formative assessment during the module supports the learning and encourages progress. Its aim is to provide useful feedback to students prior to the summative assessment. The feedback obtained following the marking of the first written exam in particular assists students in developing and improving their approach to the second teaching block.
Web Descriptor
An excellent starting point for users of legal English for whom this will be essential for getting a graduate job in the legal sector. You develop your practical skills with writing English and acquire the specific vocabulary for legal English. The module also introduces you to legal citations and the OSCOLA referencing system. Your learning will include practical engagement with letter writing, chairing a meeting, internal communications, correct telephone use, and making presentations.