Module Code - Title:
LA5051
-
ADVANCED LEGAL RESEARCH METHODS (ONLINE)
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
PF
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To equip the students with the skills necessary to engage in sustained research in law at postgraduate level. The focus will be on assessing the relative merits of the various methodologies used in legal research, as well as developing the research skills of students and training the students in research ethics.
Syllabus:
This course will equip students with the skills necessary to engage in sustained research in law at postgraduate level. The focus will be on assessing the relative merits of the various methodologies used in legal research, as well as developing the research skills of students and training the students in research ethics
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Discuss sources of law in civil and common law jurisdictions
- Discuss the implications of human rights issues in legal research
- Contrast some of the main approaches to research in law
- Articulate the ethical implications of their research
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Display a commitment to research excellence.
- Show a fluent ability to navigate on-line databases including Lexis, Westlaw and Justis
- Demonstrate an ability to interact with a research library
- Display a willingness to follow an established system of legal citation
- Display a commitment to research excellence.
- Exhibit a willingness to use bibliographic software
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Not Applicable.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be delivered through a programme of blended learning whereby students will be provided with a series of asynchronous lessons which will be supplemented with weekly online e-learning activities. The online e-learning activities will include a requirement to contribute to discussion forums, a requirement to engage with an online quiz and a requirement to participate (via Big Blue Button) in an online live masterclass on online legal research databases. The students will also be encouraged to engage in a period of self-study in preparation for the module's assigned coursework. Systematic use will be made, in this regard, of journals and websites for up to date discussions of issues. A comprehensive course reader will be provided ensuring access to an extensive range of training materials and resources.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Clinch, P. (2001)
Using a Law Library: a students guide to legal research skills 2nd ed
, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
McConville, M. and Hong Chui, W. (2007)
Legal Research Methods
, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press
Salter, M. and Mason, J (2007)
Writing Law Dissertations: an Introduction and Guide to the Conduct of Legal Research
, Edinburgh: Pearson Education
Other Relevant Texts:
Bryman, A. (2007)
Social Research Methods 3rd ed
, Oxford: Oxford University Press
Garner, B (2002)
The Elements of Legal Style 2nd ed
, Oxford: Clarendon Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Module Leader:
Laura.Cahillane@ul.ie