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77740 Research Paper

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

UTS: Law
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 60 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C04148 Master of Law and Legal Practice OR 77896 Legal Process and Intellectual Property Overview OR 77905 Preparing for Intellectual Property Practice OR 70717 Evidence and Criminal Procedure
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 76040 Research Thesis AND 78102 LLM Project by Research

Handbook description

Candidates must research and write a paper of approximately 8000–12,000 words at a standard suitable for publication on a topic approved by UTS: Law. In most cases, the research paper extends and develops research done in one or more of the elective subjects already undertaken, but in appropriate circumstances a candidate may undertake a new topic.

Early submission of proposal and form is encouraged. Forms are accepted and processed from Week 12 of the preceding semester. The last date to submit forms is two weeks before the commencement of semester to allow for processing.

Subject objectives/outcomes

This subject will assist students to develop graduate attributes by pursuing the following learning objectives.This subject will assist students to develop graduate attributes by pursuing the following learning objectives.

OBJECTIVES
1. Define a research question and identify an appropriate methodology (Attribute - Critical thinking)
2. Exhibit critical thinking reflecting currency of research and breadth and depth of knowledge (Attribute - Legal research and technological literacy; Critical thinking; Analysis and evaluation)
3. Produce an original research paper demonstrating an effective writing style and reflecting sound reasoning, clarity of thinking and compliance with style requirements (Attribute - Critical thinking; Analysis and evaluation; Spoken and written communication)

Contribution to course aims and graduate attributes

The UTS, Faculty of Law has identified a number of professional attributes that graduates from the Faculty will possess upon graduation.

INTELLECTUAL
1. Critical Thinking: An appropriate level of independent thinking, creativity and critical analysis.
2. Analysis and Evaluation: An ability to strategically analyse issues of law, evaluate options and viewpoints to reach and implement decisions.
3. Spoken and Written Communication: Advanced oral and written communication skills.
4. Legal Research and Technological Literacy: Appropriate research techniques to acquire, distil and utilise legal information.

PROFESSIONAL
5. Disciplinary Knowledge: A coherent and extensive knowledge of substantive and procedural law.
6. Lifelong Learning: A capacity to continually update the knowledge skills and awareness appropriate to the practice of law.
7. Ethics: A capacity to value and promote honesty, accountability and ethical standards.

PERSONAL
8. Self and Cooperative Work Management: Self and priority management skills including cooperative work.
9. Cultural Awareness and a Global Outlook: An appreciation and valuing of cultural and intellectual diversity and an ability to function in a global environment.
10. Social Justice: An acknowledgement and acceptance of individual responsibilities and obligations and of the assertion of the rights of the individual and the community.

Teaching and learning strategies


In this subject you are expected to engage in independent research under the guidance and supervision of your supervisor. You are expected to meet with your supervisor throughout the semester on a mutually agreed basis and produce an original research paper.

To further provide assistance in writing the Paper, including the expectation of supervisors, there is a workshop on the last Saturday afternoon prior to the semester starting. All students then enrolled in that semester are expected to attend.

Content

Candidates must research and write a paper of approximately 8,000 to 12,000 words of a standard suitable for publication, on a topic approved by the Faculty. In most cases, the Research Paper extends and develops research done in one or more of the elective subjects already undertaken but in appropriate circumstances a candidate may undertake a new topic.

The research paper does not fulfil the requirements for the award of honours.  The Faculty Board has ultimate control over all aspects of a Research Paper. Any candidate, the supervisor, or Dean has the right to approach the Board on any issue arising out of these Rules. In such circumstances, the Board will, in the first instance, refer the matter to the Subject coordinator for advice.




 

Assessment

Assessment Item 1: Research Paper

Weighting: 100%
Length:

a paper of approximately 8000–12,000 words
Criteria:
  • Development of a sustained thesis or argument;
  • Understanding of the topic;
  • Insight and originality;
  • Level of analysis and critical evaluation;
  • Research skills and use of authorities;
  • Logical development;
  • Conclusions;
  • Presentation (Including presentation of footnotes/endnotes and bibliography in accordance with the Law Faculty's preferred style).

Required texts

  • UTS:LAW Guide to Written Communication http://www.law.uts.edu.au/assessment/WrittenComm.pdf
  • UTS Policy for the Assessment of Coursework Subjects http://www.gsu.uts.edu.au/policies/assessment-coursework-policy.html
  • Procedures for the Assessment of Coursework Subjects http://www.gsu.uts.edu.au/policies/assessment-coursework-procedures.html

Recommended texts

The following are recommended references for legal research, method, writing and referencing in general:

Legal method and legal research

•Wayne Booth, Gregory Colomb and Joseph Williams, The Craft of research Third Edition, 2008
•Cook C Creyke R Geddes R and Holloway, Laying Down the Law 7th ed Butterworths Australia (introductory). 8th Edition, 2012
•Norman Denzin and Yvonne Lincoln (eds), The Landscape of qualitative research 4th Edition, 2012
•Tony Greenfield, Research methods for postgraduates, 2nd Edition 2009
•Mark Israel and Iain Hay, Research ethics for social scientists: between ethical conduct and regulatory compliance (2006)
•MacAdam A and Pyke J, Judicial Reasoning and the Doctrine of Precedent in Australia, Butterworths Sydney 1998.
•Simon Halliday and Patrick Schmidt, Conducting law and society research : Reflections on methods and Practices, CUP (2009)
•Sue Milne and Kay Tucker, A Practical guide to legal research 2nd Edition 2010
•Mike McConville and Wing Hong Chui, Research methods for law, Columbia UP (2007)
•Pearce D C and Geddes R S, Statutory Interpretation in Australia, Butterworths Sydney 7th Edition 2011
•Keith Punch, Developing effective thesis proposals (2006) update
•Gordon Rugg and Marian Petrie, A Gentle guide to research methods (2007)
•Watt R, Concise Legal Research 6th ed The Federation Press Sydney 2009.

Legal writing

•Asprey M, Plain Language for Lawyers 3rd ed The Federation Press Sydney 4th Edition 2010
•David Evans and Paul Gruba , How to write a better thesis 3rd Edition, 2012
•Steve Foster, How to write better law essays 2nd Edition, 2009
•Rupert Haigh, Legal English 3rd Edition, 2012
•Hutchinson H Researching and Writing in Law Lawbook Co Sydney 2010.
•Ros Macdonald and Deborah Clark-Dickson, Clear and precise: writing skills for today’s lawyer 3rd Edition 2010
•Michael Meehan, Grammar for lawyers (2007)
•Michael Salter and Julie Mason, Writing law dissertations: an introduction and guide to the conduct of legal research (2007)