An advanced introduction to legal methods and legal writing designed for HDR candidates in the earlier stages of their project. The course is structured around three main objectives:
- offer the students an understanding of the practical questions often subsumed under the monikers of method and methodology (question, theory, materials etc);
- equip the students with a sophisticated understanding of a variety of research methods and of how to combine them;
- enable the students to interact with and evaluate different types and styles of legal writing and to improve their own writing skills.
The course will combine pre-assigned readings with in-class exercises and active student engagement. The goal will be for students to acquire a comprehensive understanding of different legal methods and to apply this knowledge on their own wirings. A major goal of the course would be to encourage the students to achieve constructive alignment between their research question, their legal theory/ies, methods and archives in a way that will facilitate the completion of their project.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Evaluate a range of research methods, including the possibilities and limitations of combining them, and justify their suitability for specific research projects.
- Assess whether the research question, method and materials of a research project are aligned.
- Evaluate gaps and opportunities for further research in one or more fields, develop a research project, and articulate the contribution this makes to the field.
- Evaluate and reflect on discussion and feedback arising throughout the course to develop research skills and a distinct authorial voice.
Indicative Assessment
- This course will have one assessment item, assessed on a pass/fail basis, and it will be assessed in two parts: 1) Written research proposal of chosen research project; and 2) Oral presentation of research project. (null) [LO null]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
- Classes offered in non-standard sessions will be taught on an intensive base with compulsory contact hours (approximately 26 hours of face to face teaching). The course will also require advanced preparation through assigned readings. In total, it is anticipated that the hours required for completion of this course (class preparation, teaching and completion of assessment) will not exceed 120 hours.
- Classes offered during semester periods are expected to have three contact hours per week.
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Inherent Requirements
The course will be available to HDR candidates of the ANU College of Law.
HDR candidates from other colleges may audit the course after obtaining written permission from their College and the convener.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the ANU Law School to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Students must rely on the approved Class Summary which will be posted to the Programs and Courses site approximately two weeks prior to the commencement of the course. Alternatively, this information will be published in the Program course list when known.
Preliminary Reading
N/A
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4980 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3841 | 19 Feb 2024 | 26 Feb 2024 | 05 Apr 2024 | 24 May 2024 | In Person | View |
