Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2005-2006 (archived)

Module LAW3191: INTERSCHOLASTIC MOOTING

Department: LAW

LAW3191: INTERSCHOLASTIC MOOTING

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2005/06 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to LM11
Tied to LM21
Tied to M101
Tied to M155
Tied to M1L1
Tied to M1L2
Tied to M1L3

Prerequisites

  • Determined by the area of law concerned. Please consult the Department.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To enable students who have a foundation in a relevant area of law to pursue an advanced teamwork project.
  • Students will develop skills in problem-solving, independent research, oral and written communication and teamworking.

Content

  • Varies according to the moot.
  • please consult the Department.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students should be able to:
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of problem-based areas of law.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students should be able to:
  • Identify issues in a complex legal problem.
  • Apply the law to a problem from both sides of the case.
  • Engage in deep analysis of focussed issues of law.
Key Skills:
  • Students should be able to:
  • Work in teams and independently.
  • Engage in research both in problem-solving and abstract analytical contexts.
  • Develop arguments in favour of both sides of a case.
  • Work to tight deadlines.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Tutorials are oriented towards the development of the oral pleadings. They enable students to develop an advanced understanding of the areas of law in the moot, to apply the law to a problem, to develop arguments and to work independently.
  • Preparation of written pleading sessions involve supervised discussion of the development of the written arguments. This mode of teaching and learning assists students in identifying and analysing issues, applying the law to both sides of a problem and developing teamwork skills in a supervised setting.
  • Supervision of individual essays assists student in developing their independent research and analysis, working towards the submission of a substantial essay on a topic related to the moot problem, but based on a more abstract and theoretical approach to the law, rather than a problem-solving approach, which is the emphasis of the written and oral pleading preparation.
  • The formative assignment, consisting of an outline pleading, enables students to receive feedback on their research and analysis of the problem at an interim stage, supporting the development of their independent research and argument.
  • Summative assessments consists of a written pleading for the moot problem(group work, 50%) and an essay (50%), the title of which is agreed between the student and the tutor. The written pleadings assess students??? abilities to work effectively in teams, to work to tight deadlines and to research and analyse legal questions in a problem-solving context. The individual essay assesses students??? abilities to develop a research topic in a more abstract and theoretical context, and to engage in independent research and analysis of a research topic. Both assessments assess research and writing skills and the ability to take responsibility for students??? own learning. .

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Tutorials 8 Term 2 1 hour 8
Other (Preparation of written pleadings) 9 Weekly in Term 1 2 hours 18
Other (Supervision meetings) 3 Terms 2 and 3 1 hour 3
Preparation and Reading 171
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Essays Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written memorials, groupwork component 50%
Essay, individual component 50%

Formative Assessment:

Each student shall submit an outline argument, based on a part of the moot problem, to the tutor in charge during Michaelmas term. The students will also receive oral feedback on their work in the tutorials on the preparation of written and oral pleadings, and supervision of independent essays.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University