Course Outline
Code: LAW440
Title: Honours Research Methods, Design and Confirmation
USC Law School
Teaching Session:
Year:
Course Coordinator:
Office No.
Phone No.
Email:
1.
1.1
Semester 1
2016
Dr Jay Sanderson
JG.03D
07 5456 5260
jsander4@usc.edu.au
What is this course about?
Course description
This is the first of two linked courses required to graduate with honours in Law. You will receive further training
in research methods and ethics, and prepare for the writing and submission of your Law Honours Thesis in
semester two. You will formulate your own research question/s and aim/s for your Thesis in consultation with
your academic supervisor. You will also receive feedback on a research paper and presentation.
1.2
Course content
2.
Unit value
The course will cover:
• Research methodology
• Research ethics
• Topic and supervisor selection
• Formulating a research question/hypothesis/plans
• Literature review as appropriate to the question
• Formative feedback to prepare students for the writing of their thesis in the Law Honours Thesis
course.
12 units
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Course Outline: LAW 440 Honours Research Methods, Design and Confirmation
3.
How does this course contribute to my learning?
Specific Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of
this course you should be able
to:
Design a research project and
develop a management plan
Assess the ethical obligations
of researchers
Identify and apply appropriate
research methods to address
complex legal research issues
Demonstrate advanced
learning and understanding in
an area of law
Critically review, analyse and
synthesise knowledge
Exercise critical thinking and
judgment to generate
appropriate responses to
complex legal issues
Work independently and make
use of feedback to support
your professional and/or
academic development
Communicate effectively in
writing and orally to a
professional and/or academic
audience
Assessment Tasks
You will be assessed on the
learning outcome in task/s:
Graduate Qualities
Completing these tasks successfully will
contribute to you becoming:
1&2
Engaged.
1&2
Ethical
1&2
Empowered
2&3
Knowledgeable.
1&2
Creative and critical thinkers.
1, 2 & 3
Creative and critical thinkers.
1, 2 & 3
Empowered.
2&3
Empowered.
4.
Am I eligible to enrol in this course?
4.1
Enrolment restrictions
4.2
Pre-requisites
4.3
Co-requisites
4.4
Anti-requisites
Refer to the Coursework Programs and Awards - Academic Policy for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites
and anti-requisites”
This course is available only to students enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws program who have been invited to enrol
in Law Honours based on a minimum GPA of 6 1 in their Law-coded courses.
GPA of 61 with not more than eight courses remaining to complete their Law program.
Nil
1
Students with a GPA >5.75 may make a case to the Honours coordinator as to why they should be admitted to
the program.
Page 3
Course Outline: LAW 440 Honours Research Methods, Design and Confirmation
Nil
4.5
Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (optional)
5.
How am I going to be assessed?
Not applicable
5.1
Grading scale
Limited – Pass (PU), Fail (UF)
5.2
Task
No.
Assessment tasks
Assessment Tasks
Individual
or Group
Weighting
%
What is the
duration /
length?
1,500 words
1
Research Plan
Individual
PU or UF
2
Research Paper
Individual
PU or UF
3,500 –
4,000 words
3
Research
Presentation
Individual
PU or UF
20 minutes
When
should I
submit?
Friday of
week 4 (by
5pm)
Friday of
week 11 (by
5pm)
Week 13
Where
should I
submit it?
SafeAssign
SafeAssign
In person
Assessment Task 1: Research Plan
Goal:
The goal of the Research Plan is to enable students to develop project planning skills that will
lead to timely completion of their Honours Thesis in second semester. The Research Plan will
plot the aims, methods and milestones of the honours research paper, presentation and
thesis. The Research Plan will include: (i) an overview of current knowledge of the topic and a
statement/s about the research questions and aims of the research; (ii) details about the
research methodology and, if applicable, ethics consideration and approval; and (iii) realistic
milestones indicating content, activities and research to be undertaken in preparation for
Assessment Task 2 and 3, as well as LAW441 Honours Thesis. The Research Plan is a dynamic
document that students will review and revise with their supervisors throughout their
honours project.
Product:
Written Research Plan
Format:
This is an individual assignment, not more than 1500 words.
Criteria
A plan for developing the knowledge required for the question; coherence and suitability of
research question/s and aims/s; appropriateness of research methodology; evidence of
critical thinking and judgment; realistic milestones, provision for making use of feedback.
Generic skill assessed
Skill assessment level
Organisation
Graduate
Problem solving
Graduate
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Course Outline: LAW 440 Honours Research Methods, Design and Confirmation
Assessment Task 2: Research Paper
Goal:
Product:
Format:
The goal of the research paper is to present clear and coherent knowledge of an area of the
law. More specifically students are expected to present a reasoned and substantiated
argument that critically analyses and consolidates legal knowledge and ideas. In so doing
students will exhibit the significance and originality of content and argument.
3500 – 4,000 word paper
This is an individual assignment, in total not more than 4,000 words.
Criteria
Advanced knowledge of an area of the law; understanding of the issues raised; thorough
legal and associated research; critical thinking, judgement and analysis; comprehensive and
appropriate use and application of research to law; ability to review, analyse and synthesise
information in a critical and logical manner; clear and coherent communication of research
questions, laws and supporting arguments; originality and significance in content and
argument; style guide compliance including appropriate referencing
Generic skill assessed
Skill assessment level
Communication
Graduate
Problem solving
Graduate
Assessment Task 3: Research Presentation
Goal:
The research presentation is the means by which the Law School assesses your progress and
determines whether the research project, as set out in the presentation and research paper
(Assessment Task 2), is clearly defined, coherent and feasible. You will be assessed on your
demonstration of a broad understanding of a specific area or law and context, as well as the
design and use of research method/s. The research presentation will also enable the Law
School and you to assess whether the project is suitably designed for successful completion in
Law Honours Thesis, LAW441.
Product:
You will make a 20 minute presentation to your Honours student peers and supervisors,
based on Assessment Task 2. The presentation will clearly articulate the research question/s
and aim/s. You will concisely and clearly describe the research methodology and analysis, and
describe the work already completed and how this will be developed in LAW441.
Format:
20 minute presentation
Criteria
Advanced knowledge of an area of the law; understanding of the issues raised; thorough legal
and associated research; critical thinking, judgement and analysis; comprehensive and
appropriate use and application of research to law; ability to review, analyse and synthesise
information in a critical and logical manner; clear and coherent communication of research
questions, laws and supporting arguments; originality and significance in content and
argument; suitability of the project and student for LAW441
Generic skill assessed
Skill assessment level
Problem solving
Graduate
Organisation
Graduate
5.3
Additional assessment requirements
Safe Assign
In order to minimise incidents of plagiarism and collusion, this course may require that some of its assessment
tasks are submitted electronically via Safe Assign. This software allows for text comparisons to be made
between your submitted assessment item and all other work that Safe Assign has access to. If required, details
of how to submit via Safe Assign will be provided on the Blackboard site of the course.
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Course Outline: LAW 440 Honours Research Methods, Design and Confirmation
Limited Graded Course:
This course will be graded as Pass in a Limited Grade Course (PU) or Fail in a Limited Grade Course (UF) as per
clause 4.1.3 and 4.1.4 of the Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Institutional Operating Policy of the
University of the Sunshine Coast.
In a course using Limited Grades, all assessment tasks relating to a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activity or a
professional competency (PC) task are required to be passed for a student to successfully complete the course.
Supplementary assessment is not available in courses using Limited Grades.
5.4
Submission penalties
You must contact your Course Coordinator if you require an extension or alternate assessment.
6. How is the course offered?
6.1
Directed study hours
6.2
Teaching semester/session(s) offered
6.3
Course activities
Three 2-hour lectures in weeks 1-3 (6 hours in total) plus attendance at research presentations.
Semester 1
This course has two core activities: symposium and one-on-one supervision.
Symposium (2 hours, x 3)
Week 1: Research methods and design: Since theses on legal topics can take a variety of formats and
perspectives, students will be introduced to a range of research methodologies including doctrinal,
reform-orientated, theoretical, policy analysis, socio-legal and ethnographic. Students will also discuss
the importance of, and skills and strategies needed in, designing and planning research projects.
Week 2: Research questions and literature reviews: this symposium will focus on research questions
and literature reviews. Firstly, you will discuss the importance of clear and coherent research questions,
particularly the role these play in devising and conducting literature reviews; designing and
implementing efficient and effective research strategies; and ensuring logical and persuasive research
outputs. Secondly, you will discuss the role of literature reviews in legal research. More specifically you
will consider the nature and scope of a literature review, the purpose of literature reviews in legal
contexts, and how to exercise critical thinking and judgement to assess controversies and to identify
gaps in knowledge.
Week 3: Research ethics and other considerations: in the third symposium you will be introduced to
research ethics and learn to identify any ethical issues relevant to your research project. Specific topics
will include consent, communication, confidentiality, privacy and insurance. You will also be familiarised
with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research Statement, as well as USC’s policies
and procedures for the responsible conduct of research
One-on-One Supervision
This course is largely structured around the individual research question/s and aim/s chosen by the students in
LAW440. This means that the content and research methods are necessarily variable between students, and
specific areas of consideration and focus will primarily be determined by a student’s supervisor, who will work
with their student on a one-on-one basis, meeting on a regular basis.
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Course Outline: LAW 440 Honours Research Methods, Design and Confirmation
Please note that the course activities may be subject to variation.
7. What resources do I need to undertake this course?
7.1
Prescribed text(s)
Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below:
Author
Year
Title
Publisher
Terry Hutchinson
2010
Research and Writing in Law
(3rd ed)
7.2
Required and recommended readings
7.3
Specific requirements
7.4
Risk management
8.
How can I obtain help with my studies?
Thomson Reuters
Lists of required and recommended readings may be found for this course on its Blackboard site. These
materials/readings will assist you in preparing for tutorials and assignments, and will provide further
information regarding particular aspects of your course.
Nil
There is minimal health and safety risk in this course. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the
Health and Safety policies and procedures applicable within campus areas.
In the first instance you should contact your tutor, then the Course Coordinator. Student Life and Learning
provides additional assistance to all students through Peer Advisors and Academic Skills Advisors. You can drop
in or book an appointment. To book: Tel: +61 7 5430 1226 or Email: StudentLifeandLearning@usc.edu.au
9. Links to relevant University policies and procedures
For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:
• Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
• Review of Assessment and Final Grades
• Supplementary Assessment
• Administration of Central Examinations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Academic Misconduct
• Students with a Disability
http://www.usc.edu.au/university/governance-and-executive/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-andteaching
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Course Outline: LAW 440 Honours Research Methods, Design and Confirmation
10. Faculty specific information
General enquiries
Student Central - Building C
Tel: +61 7 5430 2890
Fax: +61 7 5430 2882
Email: Studentcentral@usc.edu.au
Assignment Cover Sheets
The USC assignment cover sheet can be found on the USC Portal (Blackboard) at: USC Law School (Students) >
Forms. It must be completed in full identifying student name, assignment title, tutor and tutorial time. This
must be attached securely to the front of each assessment item prior to submission. Claims of loss of
assignments will not be considered unless supported by a receipt.
Hard Copy Submission to USC Law School
There is a USC Law School Assignment Submission box in the foyer on the ground floor of J building, in front of
the USC Law School. Please note that the foyer is under 24-hour CCTV surveillance.
SafeAssign Submission
If your course requests SafeAssign submission, there will be an electronic assessment submission area on
Blackboard under “Assessment”. You will need to agree to the “Submission Declaration” before you are able to
see the submission area.