Module LAW3032: Dissertation (Senior Status)

Department: Law

LAW3032: Dissertation (Senior Status)

Tied To

• M105: Law (Senior Status)

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To enable students to pursue a topic of interest to them which does not feature in the taught curriculum, or to pursue a topic already encountered but at greater depth than is possible within the confines of a taught course.
• To significantly enhance students' developing legal research skills.

Content

• A topic chosen by the student.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the principles of the topic under investigation.
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of primary and secondary sources in their subject area.

• Critically analyse and evaluate an aspect of current law in the light, where this is appropriate, of internal considerations (such as inherent inconsistencies) and external considerations (social, political, moral and commercial pressures).
• Distinguish between primary and secondary sources in their subject area and to give them appropriate weight in their research.
• Plan and investigate a theory or argument in the context of a particular area of law.

• Organise their exposition of the law in a rational and coherent manner.
• Provide a balanced and succinct discussion.
• Provide a well-considered conclusion to the issues presented for discussion.

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

• Teaching will consist of four lectures and supplementary information provided through an online platform.
• Learning will be facilitated by student-supervisor interaction in meetings.
• Students will be given formative feedback on their plan and working bibliography and on a sample chapter in order to assist the student in focusing accurately on the subject under investigation.
• Dissertation supervisors will provide ongoing support and guidance as appropriate.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Plan (max. 1,000 words) and working bibliography - by week 1 of the final year; First supervision meeting of the final year - in weeks 2-3 of Michaelmas Term; Final title and completed version of the Durham Ethics and Data Protection Form – by week 9 of Michaelmas Term; Sample chapter (max. 4000 words) - by week 1 of Epiphany Term; Final supervision meeting - in weeks 7-9 of Epiphany Term.