Students
LAWS896 – Independent Research Project in Law, Governance and Policy
2015 – FY1 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
George Tomossy
W3A510
Tues 1-3
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
8
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit introduces students to core concepts and principles of modern theories of legal governance. They will critique and contrast a variety of legal research methodologies and develop practical skills in undertaking such research, including: techniques in researching primary and secondary sources of law; elements of good legal writing; and literature review. Students will combine their skills and apply the lens of governance theory to formulate and execute an independent research project (10,000 words) on a topic of the student's choice.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Achieve learning outcomes set out in LAWS818 Research Methodologies in Law
- Carry out an independent research project with an advanced level of written expression
- Relate principles and theories of governance to a particular doctrinal or policy area of the student's choice
- Analyse, synthesise and integrate scholarship on law, governance and policy to contemporary problems
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| LAWS818 Assessment Tasks | 50% | n/a |
| Research Essay | 50% | 5pm Fri Wk 13, s2 |
LAWS818 Assessment Tasks
Due: n/a
Weighting: 50%
Students are required to complete all four assessment tasks set out in LAWS818. The total marks earned for those assessments will be converted to a grade of 50 for the purpose of this unit. Students will be automatically enrolled into the LAWS818 iLearn page and required to submit all assessments for that unit via that page.
The Legal Research Plan (Assessment Task 4 for LAWS818) must relate to the essay topic that will be completed for this unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Achieve learning outcomes set out in LAWS818 Research Methodologies in Law
Research Essay
Due: 5pm Fri Wk 13, s2
Weighting: 50%
Students are required to submit a 10,000 word (excluding bibliography, tables, figures and appendices) research essay with references in accordance with the Australian Guide to Legal Citation 3 (AGLC3). They will apply their research skills and understanding of legal research methodologies to execute an independent research project to address a contemporary challenge in legal governance, from a domestic or international perspective, under one of the following broad topic areas:
- Public Health
- Environment
- Commerce
- Human Rights
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Carry out an independent research project with an advanced level of written expression
- Relate principles and theories of governance to a particular doctrinal or policy area of the student's choice
- Analyse, synthesise and integrate scholarship on law, governance and policy to contemporary problems
Delivery and Resources
This unit will be delivered primarily online. The Unit Convenor will hold workshops and provide opportunities for students to be mentored on their research projects during the second half of the unit as they develop their essays. Details will be provided on the unit iLearn page.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Achieve learning outcomes set out in LAWS818 Research Methodologies in Law
- Carry out an independent research project with an advanced level of written expression
Assessment tasks
- LAWS818 Assessment Tasks
- Research Essay
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Achieve learning outcomes set out in LAWS818 Research Methodologies in Law
- Carry out an independent research project with an advanced level of written expression
- Relate principles and theories of governance to a particular doctrinal or policy area of the student's choice
- Analyse, synthesise and integrate scholarship on law, governance and policy to contemporary problems
Assessment tasks
- LAWS818 Assessment Tasks
- Research Essay
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Achieve learning outcomes set out in LAWS818 Research Methodologies in Law
- Carry out an independent research project with an advanced level of written expression
- Relate principles and theories of governance to a particular doctrinal or policy area of the student's choice
- Analyse, synthesise and integrate scholarship on law, governance and policy to contemporary problems
Assessment tasks
- LAWS818 Assessment Tasks
- Research Essay
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Achieve learning outcomes set out in LAWS818 Research Methodologies in Law
- Carry out an independent research project with an advanced level of written expression
- Relate principles and theories of governance to a particular doctrinal or policy area of the student's choice
- Analyse, synthesise and integrate scholarship on law, governance and policy to contemporary problems
Assessment tasks
- LAWS818 Assessment Tasks
- Research Essay
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Achieve learning outcomes set out in LAWS818 Research Methodologies in Law
- Carry out an independent research project with an advanced level of written expression
Assessment tasks
- LAWS818 Assessment Tasks
- Research Essay
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Achieve learning outcomes set out in LAWS818 Research Methodologies in Law
- Carry out an independent research project with an advanced level of written expression
- Relate principles and theories of governance to a particular doctrinal or policy area of the student's choice
- Analyse, synthesise and integrate scholarship on law, governance and policy to contemporary problems
Assessment tasks
- LAWS818 Assessment Tasks
- Research Essay