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LAW806Law3 Unitsintermediate

Legal Research Methodology and Project Writing

This course introduces postgraduate law students to scientific methods of legal inquiry. It explores the nature, scope, and significance of legal research, emphasizing its role in developing law and legal institutions, as well as its broader socioeconomic impact. The course covers sources, categories, and types of legal research, focusing on both doctrinal and socio-legal methods and tools. Students will develop skills in identifying research problems, planning and executing legal research projects, and understanding associated challenges, preparing them for future legal and socio-legal research endeavors.

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45h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Legal ResearchMethodologyDoctrinal ResearchEmpirical ResearchProject Writing

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Legal Research Methods

2

Doctrinal Research

3

Empirical Research

4

Research Planning

5

Literature Review

6

Citation Styles

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Legal Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Legal Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Academic

Apply your skills in this growing field

Legal Practitioner

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Law FirmsGovernment AgenciesNon-profit OrganizationsAcademic InstitutionsInternational Organizations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to legal Research

3h

Unit 1: What is Legal Research?

3 study hours
  • •Define legal research and its importance.
  • •Discuss the need for legal research in a dynamic legal environment.
  • •Explain the relationship between law and society.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to legal Research

3h

Unit 2: Research Methods

3 study hours
  • •Compare and contrast doctrinal, empirical, and teleological research methods.
  • •Identify primary and secondary sources in legal research.
  • •Understand the application of scientific methods in legal research.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to legal Research

3h

Unit 3: Types of Research

3 study hours
  • •Differentiate between descriptive, analytical, applied, qualitative, quantitative, and conceptual research.
  • •Apply appropriate research types to specific legal problems.
  • •Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each research type.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction to legal Research

3h

Unit 4: Research Planning and Designing

3 study hours
  • •Design a research project, including topic selection and methodology.
  • •Identify and utilize appropriate research tools for municipal and international law.
  • •Apply basic data collection techniques.
Week
5

Module 2:

3h

Unit 1: How to Choose Research Topic

3 study hours
  • •Apply criteria for selecting a suitable research topic.
  • •Ensure the topic is narrow, novel, and researchable.
  • •Develop an elegant, precise, and clear research topic.
Week
6

Module 2:

3h

Unit 2: Abstract

3 study hours
  • •Write an effective abstract summarizing the research work.
  • •Include key elements such as introduction, problem statement, findings, and recommendations.
  • •Use appropriate language and structure for an abstract.
Week
7

Module 2:

3h

Unit 3: Literature Review

3 study hours
  • •Conduct a comprehensive literature review.
  • •Evaluate and synthesize existing research.
  • •Identify gaps in the literature and formulate research questions.
Week
8

Module 2:

3h

Unit 4: Parts of a Thesis, Dissertation and Long Essay Project

3 study hours
  • •Identify the components of a thesis, dissertation, and long essay project.
  • •Organize preliminary pages, main body, and appendices.
  • •Understand the purpose and content of each section.
Week
9

Module 3:

3h

Unit 1: Citations

3 study hours
  • •Apply citation styles for statutes, textbooks, case laws, journals, and online sources.
  • •Use cross-references effectively (Ibidem, Op. Cit., Loc. Cit., Supra).
  • •Ensure accuracy and consistency in citations.
Week
10

Module 3:

3h

Unit 2: Footnotes, Endnotes and Quotations

3 study hours
  • •Use footnotes and endnotes to provide additional information and explanations.
  • •Apply proper formatting for quotations.
  • •Utilize computer tools effectively for research and writing.
Week
11

Module 3:

3h

Unit 3: Conclusion

3 study hours
  • •Write a comprehensive conclusion summarizing findings and recommendations.
  • •Ensure recommendations are aligned with research findings.
  • •Summarize the research process and outcomes.
Week
12

Final Revision

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Review all modules and units.
  • •Focus on key concepts and methodologies.
  • •Prepare for assignments and tutor-marked assessments.
Week
13

Final Revision

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Practice essay questions and case studies.
  • •Refine exam preparation strategies.
  • •Address any remaining questions or concerns.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all study units and recommended readings thoroughly.

2

Practice applying different research methodologies to hypothetical legal problems.

3

Create detailed outlines of key concepts and cases from each module.

4

Focus on understanding the relationships between different research methods and their applications.

5

Practice writing clear and concise summaries of legal principles and research findings.

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