LWMHDI-Research Dissertation (Legal History)

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 90 [45 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Stephen Banks
Email: s.banks@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Students taking this module will undertake supervised independent research and write a 20,000 word research dissertation on a topic agreed with the Programme Director and Research Dissertation Supervisor.

Aims:
The aim of this module is to develop high-level skills in research design, management and implementation through conduct of a major independent research project and writing of the 20,000 word research dissertation.

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

􀀕 have a detailed knowledge of the topic of the dissertation;

and will be able to:

􀀕 critically analyse and evaluate the topic;
􀀕 place the subject matter of the dissertation within a wider legal, historical and/or socio-political context;
􀀕 access, take advantage of, and critically use different sources of legal historical research;
􀀕 evaluate the objectivity and relevance of different source s of research;
􀀕 construct an argument that can be sustained through a work of such length;
􀀕 use a recognised citation style;
􀀕 present the dissertation in a manner that is clear, logical and well-written.

Additional outcomes:
It is also expected that students will be able:
􀀕 to develop personal responsibility and initiative in planning, managing and executing a major research project professionally;
􀀕 to make decisions during unforeseen and complex situations as the research progresses and develop self-reliance and -direction in addressing and solving problems.

Outline content:
Students will research and write a 20,000 word research dissertation. The title of the dissertation must be agreed with the proposed supervisor and with the Programme Director.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching and learning takes the form of regular supervision at times agreed by the student and their supervisor.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Dissertation of not more than 20,000 words including footnotes and/or endnotes but excluding declaration, table of contents, bibliography and the abstract, formatted in accordance with the rules as set out in the Regulations for LLM Dissertations in the Postgraduate School Guide 2005-2006. An electronic disk copy should be made available immediately on request.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: