LW3RWC-Research Writing Credit

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: LW3ILM International Law Mooting or LW3WPP Writing Credit Pro Bono and Professional Practice or LW3DUG Dissertation
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr David Wilde
Email: d.c.wilde@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The Research Writing Credit is a piece of assessed written work which allows a student independently to research a selected topic and produce an extended critical essay, after a lengthy period of reflection.

Aims:
The Research Writing Credit allows the School to evaluate a student’s ability to research a topic, critically analyse it, develop an argument, use and cite legal and other materials correctly and to do so within a specified number of pages (and to a specific format).

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students will develop skills in terms of identifying and applying research agendas and will work independently, towards the analysis, synthesis, evaluation and critique of their topic.

Additional outcomes:
In addition to those listed in the School’s ‘core skills statement’, the module aims to facilitate the continued development of IT skills.

Outline content:

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
• During the option selection process for the final year, a wide range of possible titles covering a diversity of legal research areas will be published. Students will select three titles they wish to write on in order of preference. A list which title each student has been allocated will then be published at the start of the summer preceding the final year: titles will be assigned to students who do not make a selection.

•One piece of introductory reading on the research topic w ill be indicated.

•There will be one general lecture each term: on researching and writing the essay.

• No assistance will be provided by any member of staff with respect to the essay, beyond the introductory reading and general lectures. No drafts or plans of essays may be submitted to any member of staff.

• Essays must be submitted by the required date, which will be specified when the titles are distributed.

• Students must comply with the School of Law Assessed Work Rules, as set out in the Law School Guide and LLB Programme Handbook.

• Essays and feedback will be available for collection at the end of the Summer Term.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	1	1
Guided independent study:	99	99
Total hours by term	100	100
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
An essay of no more than 12 pages formatted in accordance with the School of Law Assessed Work Rules, as set out in the Law School Guide and LLB Programme Handbook.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-submission of the essay.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023