76090 Research Methodology
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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.
Subject handbook information prior to 2015 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject is designed to prepare undergraduate law students to undertake a substantial research project at an advanced level such as an honours thesis. The subject is compulsory for those students who are enrolled in and wish to be awarded a bachelor's degree with honours. Through a series of seminars and workshops students are provided with a thorough grounding in legal research and producing high-quality legal writing, as well as the components of an effective research strategy. Students are positioned to explore a topic of their own choosing in depth and produce a research proposal. The subject is particularly relevant to students considering a higher research degree in law.
Subject objectives
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Demonstrate ability to critically analyse and evaluate literature in order to prepare a critical overview of the field for your research project, and frame appropriate research questions. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Demonstrate creative and critical thinking skills to develop an appropriate research methodology for your research project. |
| 3. | Demonstrate ability to execute a written research proposal that demonstrates advanced critical thinking, academic writing and research skills. |
| 4. | Demonstrate capacity to undertake independent research and be a reflective researcher. |
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following graduate attributes:
- Critical Analysis and Evaluation
A capacity to think critically, strategically and creatively including an ability to identify and articulate legal issues, apply reasoning and research, engage in critical analysis and make reasoned choices. (3.0) - Research skills
Well-developed cognitive and practical skills necessary to identify, research, evaluate and synthesise relevant factual, legal and policy issues. (4.0) - Communication and Collaboration
Effective and appropriate communication skills including highly effective use of the English language, an ability to inform, analyse, report and persuade using an appropriate medium and message and an ability to respond appropriately. (5.0) - Self management
The ability to implement appropriate self-management and lifelong learning strategies including initiating self-directed work and learning, judgment and responsibility, self assessment of skills, personal wellbeing and appropriate use of feedback and, a capacity to adapt to and embrace change. (6.0)
Teaching and learning strategies
Strategy 1 Independent learning: introduction to knowledge and ideas through a combination of online and written resources. You will also be required to complete learning activities including questions and problems. These activities are designed to test your understanding of the knowledge and ideas and provide a basis for discussion in class.
Strategy 2 Seminars: seminars comprise discussion-based learning in small groups. Prior to each class, you are required to complete the preparatory work (independent learning) as directed in the learning guide. The preparatory work and related learning activities will be the focus of discussion in the seminars. The learning environment in the seminars is intended to be lively, intellectually challenging and supportive. You will have opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback on your ideas and understanding.
Strategy 3 Workshops: Workshops comprise hands-on skill building sessions and will be conducted in small groups. Each workshop is designed to provide you with tools to develop an aspect of research methodology for your research project
Content
- The Nature of legal research
- Technical research skills
- Developing a research question
- Research methodologies
- Academic writing
- Developing a research proposal
Required texts
Hutchinson, T, Researching and Writing in Law (3rd ed, 2010, Lawbook)
Recommended texts
Dawn Watkins and Mandy Burton (eds) Research Methods in Law (2013, Routledge).
Australian Guide to Legal Citation (3rd ed 2010) available online
http://www.law.unimelb.edu.au/files/dmfile/FinalOnlinePDF-2012Reprint.pdf
Michele Asprey, Plain Language for Lawyers (3rd ed, 2003)
Wayne Booth, Gregory Colomb and Joseph Williams, The Craft of Research (2nd ed, 2003)
Bott, Cowley and Falconer, Nemes and Coss' Effective Legal Research, (3rd ed, 2007)
J Bell, Doing your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education and Social Science. (Open University Press, 4th ed, 2005)
Alan Bryman, Social Research Methods (2012, OUP)
Cook, Creyke, Geddes and Hamer, Laying Down the Law (7th ed, 2009)
P Cryer, The Research Students Guide to Success. (Open University Press, 3rd ed, 2006).
Margaret Davies, Asking the Law Question (3rd ed, 2008)
S Delamont, Supervising the PhD: A Guide to Success. (Open University Press, 3rd ed, 2006).
Norman Denzin and Yvonna Lincoln (eds), The Landscape of Qualitative Research (1998)
Norman Denzin and Yvonna Lincoln (eds), Strategies of Qualitative Inquiry. (Sage, 1998).
David Evans and Paul Gruba, How to Write a Better Thesis (2nd ed, 2002)
Foster, S, How to Write Better Law Essays (2007)
N Graves and Verma, V, Working for a Doctorate: A Guide for the Humanities and Social Sciences. (Routledge, 1997).
Tony Greenfield (ed), Research Methods for Postgraduates (2nd ed, 2002)
Rupert Haigh, Legal English (2008)
Simon Halliday, Conducting Law and Social Research: Reflections on Methods and Practices (2009)
Mark Israel and Iain Hay, Research Ethics for Social Scientists: Between Ethical Conduct and Regulatory
Compliance (2006)
Ros Macdonald and Deborah Clark-Dickson, Clear and Precise: Writing Skills for Today's lawyer (2nd ed, 2005)
Tim May, Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process (2nd ed, 1997)
Mike McConville and Wing Hong Chui, Research Methods for Law (2007)
Margaret McKerchar, Design and Conduct of Research in Tax, Law and Accounting(2010)
M Meehan, Grammar for Lawyers (2007)
Sue Milne and Kay Tucker, A Practical Guide to Legal Research (2008)
R Murray, How to Write a Thesis. (Open University Press, 3ed ed, 2011).
Keith Punch, Developing Effective Thesis Proposals (2000)
Gordon Rugg and Marian Petrie, A Gentle Guide to Research Methods (2007)
Michael Salter and Julie Mason, Writing Law Dissertations: An Introduction and Guide to the Conduct of Legal
Research (2007)
Anita Stuhmcke, Legal Referencing (3rd ed, 2005)
Mark Van Hoecke (ed) Methodologies of Legal Research: Which kind of Method for what kind of discipline? (2011,
Hart)
Rob Watt and Francis Johns, Concise Legal Research, (6th ed, 2009).
