LWMHSP-Sourcing the Past

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9

Email: R.Auchmuty@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Aims:
This module aims to develop and enhance students􀀒 ability critically to evaluate and analyse legal historical sources and the methodological issues which arise in using them. It aims to further develop their understanding of how the creation, availability and form of sources shapes our understanding of legal history and the outcomes of legal historical research.

Assessable learning outcomes:
After completing the module, students will:

• be able to analyse and critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of three types of legal historical source;
• be able to analyse and critically evaluate the methodological implications which arise from the use of the sources and how they shape the outcomes of research;
• be able to synthesise wide-ranging material and to articulate arguments effectively and clearly in writing an assessed essay;
• develop their knowledge and understanding of an area of legal history in which they are interested.

Additional outcomes:
This module will also encourage the development of independent learning, as well as communication skills and personal responsibility.

Outline content:
Students will research and write a 12 page essay considering the strengths and weaknesses of three types of source which they are using in research for their dissertation, the methodological implications arising from the use of such sources, and how they shape our understanding of the past.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching and learning is primarily in the form of regular supervision, supplemented by classes according to student interest and staff availability.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
12 page essay (formulated in accordance with the School of Law􀀒s Assessed Work Rules) on three types of source which they are using in the dissertation.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
As for the original assessment, but a mark in a passed element can be carried forward.

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: 20 April 2018