LW1RWS-Research and Writing Skills

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Restricted to LLB students
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Chang Wang
Email: chang.wang@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Research and Writing Skills allows a student to undertake work on a set topic, in response to a problem scenario presented to them by a ‘client’. Students who take part in this module will develop the ability to apply legal concepts and rules to ‘real-world’ problems, to formulate an argument and communicate it clearly, and to do so within the specified parameters of a client-centred project.

Aims:
Research and Writing Skills allows a student to undertake work on a set topic, in response to a problem scenario presented to them by a ‘client’. Students who take part in this module will develop the ability to apply legal concepts and rules to ‘real-world’ problems, to formulate an argument and communicate it clearly, and to do so within the specified parameters of a client-centred project.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module it is intended that students will be able to:

• conduct independent research on a legal topic, demonstrating the ability to recognise a problem and develop a method of answering it;
• take a client-focused approach to the process of resolving legal problems, showing an ability to be responsive and active in approach;
• apply legal concepts and principles effectively to realistic scenarios and situations, and to respond to changes and developments in the field being researched;
• locate, analyse, and evaluate legal and academic sources and materials;
• communicate and present legal arguments effectively in written form.

Additional outcomes:
In addition to those listed in the School’s ‘core skills statement’, the module aims to facilitate the development of IT skills through the use of a variety of online resources and materials.

Outline content:
The substantive content of the module will focus on content of other modules taught in Part 1 of the LLB; Contract Law and Tort Law.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

• The module is designed to be an online independent learning experience. Teaching of the module will be by threelectures in the first term. There will be one workshop in autumn term and two workshops in spring term.. Students will be required to complete one piece of written work for the assessment of the module.


• The topic of the assessed work for Research and Writing Skills will be provided towards the beginning of the Autumn term, along with a deadline for comple tion and outline of the project’s timeline and scope.


• Students will be required to interpret and analyse different source materials as the project progresses, including written documents and materials, audio and video podcasts, emails and other sources. These will be released at staged intervals so as to prompt and maintain involvement and interactivity across the duration of the module.


• Students will be required to submit their assessed work piece for this module at the specified time (usually at the start of the Summer term).


• Students must comply with the Assessed Work Rules set out in the School Guide and general help to be derived from the Legal Skills module.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	3
Practicals classes and workshops	1	1
Guided independent study:	96	99
Total hours by term	100	100	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
None.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Relative percentage of coursework: 100%.

Word Limit: An essay of not more than 6 pages formatted in accordance with the rules, as set out in the School Guide (Programme Assessment) Assessed Work Rules.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be required to submit a draft of part of the assessment in early spring term. This will be subject to peer review and peer marking in the spring term workshop.

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:
A new piece of work to be submitted by August/September.

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: 26 September 2023