Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor Francesca Dominello francesca.dominello@mq.edu.au Contact via francesca.dominello@mq.edu.au W3A 619 TBA on iLearn
Credit points	Credit points 3
Prerequisites	Prerequisites 48cp in LAW or LAWS or LAWZ units and ((GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0) or (GPA of 5.2 out of 7.0) in LAW or LAWS or LAWZ units) and permission by special approval
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description This unit provides students with an opportunity to develop and demonstrate advanced research skills through a series of seminar presentations and supervised research, leading to the submission of an 8,000-word thesis. Students formulate their own research question or argument in any area of legal scholarship or regulation. The thesis must be presented and defended within the broader conditions of its relevance, for example: social, historical, philosophical, economic or environmental contexts. Applications to undertake LAWS561 in Session 1 or Session 2 will close in the last week of January. No late applications can be accepted. As part of the application process students are required to submit an Expression of Interest Form and have confirmation that a member of staff in the Macquarie Law School is willing to act as their supervisor. The Form will be sent to students in December.

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:

Choose a research question appropriate for undergraduate legal research and identify the aims of the research.
Come up with an appropriate title for your research.
Demonstrate understanding of the background of the research topic; the existing research on the topic and the significance of your research to the existing research.
Identify appropriate legal research methodologies for the research and be able to give reasons why that methodology/ies have been used.
Work with a supervisor to establish a research plan and time frame for completion.
Summarise the main aspects of the research in a written research proposal in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Be able to articulate aspects of the research to the unit convenor and students in class using speech that is easy to understand.
Work independently to produce a research essay that is sophisticated and original and is written in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Formulate written arguments appropriate for a legal research project. Aim for creative and critical analysis and solid and logical structure. Ensure that argument is evidence-based and, if justified, evaluate and refute counter-arguments.
Use the AGLC style guide correctly (adapting it where appropriate).

General Assessment Information

Special Consideration

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Submission

All written assessments in the unit are to be submitted electronically by way of Turnitin on the iLearn page. Plagiarism detection software is used in this unit.

Format

All assessment tasks in this unit must be typed in Word format and be double spaced to facilitate marking in Turnitin.

Word Limits

Word limits will be strictly applied and work above the word limit will not be assessed.

Moderation

Marking for each final research paper is shared between the convenor and supervisor. Detailed marking rubrics will be made available on iLearn. If there are other markers assisting the convenor then a process of 'blind marking' to establish a common marking standard will be adopted and all Fail papers will be double marked.

Style

All written assessments should use the latest edition of the AGLC.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Hurdle	Due
Research Proposal	15%	No	6pm, Friday of Week 3
Class Presentation	5%	No	Weeks 5, 7, 9, 11
Research Essay	80%	No	6pm, Friday of Week 13

Research Proposal

Due: 6pm, Friday of Week 3
Weighting: 15%

Taking into account convenor's comments, supervisor's comments and class discussion, submit:

8 page research proposal (includes footnotes and bibliography)

The proposal is to be submitted in Turnitin on iLearn.

The marker will not read more than 8 pages.

You must use headings dividing each section of the proposal.

The main parts of the proposal must be double spaced with margins not less than 2.5cm on the right and left. All text must typed in 12 pt Times New Roman. Footnotes can be in 10 pt Times New Roman.

The summary of the chapters of the thesis and timeline for completion can be single spaced with margins of 2.5cm on the right and left. This information can be put in tables (but this is not compulsory).

The bibliography can be single spaced with a space in between each reference with margins not less than 2.5cm on the right and left.

You must comply with the AGLC.

Failure to comply with these instructions will result in loss of marks at the discretion of the marker.

Note the new Special Consideration policy for written assessments:

Further instructions on how to complete the assignment and how it will be assessed will be available on iLearn.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Choose a research question appropriate for undergraduate legal research and identify the aims of the research.
Come up with an appropriate title for your research.
Demonstrate understanding of the background of the research topic; the existing research on the topic and the significance of your research to the existing research.
Identify appropriate legal research methodologies for the research and be able to give reasons why that methodology/ies have been used.
Work with a supervisor to establish a research plan and time frame for completion.
Summarise the main aspects of the research in a written research proposal in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Work independently to produce a research essay that is sophisticated and original and is written in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Use the AGLC style guide correctly (adapting it where appropriate).

Class Presentation

Due: Weeks 5, 7, 9, 11
Weighting: 5%

In Week 1 students will be allocated a time slot for presenting their research to the class. It is compulsory for students to attend the seminar they are allocated to make their presentations. They are not required to attend the other seminars but it is highly recommended that they do.

Presentations will start in Week 5. The presentations will be oral only (no powerpoint slides). The aim is for students to present their research informally to the class for not more than a few minutes. Each seminar is focused on a particular aspect of the research project and students should present on the aspect of their research to be covered in the seminar they are allocated. These will be:

Week 5: Literature Review and Methodology

Week 7: Writing for a Generalist Audience in Law

Week 9: The Introduction of the thesis

Week 11: The Structure of the Thesis

The seminars aim to workshop students' research. Students should treat this exercise as one where they can share their research, but also ask questions about how to approach their research and get feedback from the unit convenor and other students in the class.

If a student is unable to attend their allocated seminar they should apply for special consideration. If successful other arrangements will be made. This is a timed assessment. If a student fails to attend their allocated seminar without special consideration they will receive 0 marks for this assessment.

For External students unable to attend the seminars please contact the unit convenor to arrange a mutually convenient time for your presentations.

Further instructions on how to complete the assignment and how it will be assessed will be available on iLearn.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Choose a research question appropriate for undergraduate legal research and identify the aims of the research.
Demonstrate understanding of the background of the research topic; the existing research on the topic and the significance of your research to the existing research.
Identify appropriate legal research methodologies for the research and be able to give reasons why that methodology/ies have been used.
Be able to articulate aspects of the research to the unit convenor and students in class using speech that is easy to understand.

Research Essay

Due: 6pm, Friday of Week 13
Weighting: 80%

8,000 word graded research paper due 6pm, Friday of Week 13, S2.

Your Essay is to be submitted via Turnitin in iLearn. The paper is to be submitted in Word format. NO PDFs will be accepted.

You must comply with AGLC

The word length is 8,000 words max. Word limits will be strictly applied and work above the word limit will not be marked. The word length excludes footnotes and bibliography. Footnotes should only contain details of texts cited in the body of the thesis.

The essay should be double spaced in 12 pt Times New Roman. The footnotes can be in 10 pt Times New Roman. The bibliography can be single spaced with a space in between each reference.

The supervisor marks the paper from an expert, specialist perspective for content (quality and rigour of research) and originality. This mark is worth 40%.

The convenor marks the paper from a generalist perspective for such things as style, referencing, structure and methodology. This mark is worth 40%.

Where the Convenor is also the supervisor, the convenor portion will be graded by another academic within the Law School.

Note the new Special Consideration policy for written assessments:

Further instructions on how to complete the assignment and how it will be assessed will be available on iLearn.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Come up with an appropriate title for your research.
Demonstrate understanding of the background of the research topic; the existing research on the topic and the significance of your research to the existing research.
Identify appropriate legal research methodologies for the research and be able to give reasons why that methodology/ies have been used.
Work independently to produce a research essay that is sophisticated and original and is written in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Formulate written arguments appropriate for a legal research project. Aim for creative and critical analysis and solid and logical structure. Ensure that argument is evidence-based and, if justified, evaluate and refute counter-arguments.
Use the AGLC style guide correctly (adapting it where appropriate).

Delivery and Resources

1. Technology used and required

To participate successfully in this unit, students will require access to the unit iLearn page. This will require access to secure and reliable computer facilities. Students will be required to upload all assessment tasks by way of Turnitin on the unit iLearn page.

2. Delivery mode

There will be fortnightly seminars starting in Week 1. Attendance is compulsory for the seminar students are to present on their research. A schedule will be posted on iLearn in Week 1. Attendance at the other seminars is optional but highly recommended.

The unit will use an ilearn website.

3. Lecture times and locations

For current updates, lecture times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetables website: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au.

4. Required and recommended resources

Required:

Any readings posted on the ilearn website of the unit.

Australian Guide to Legal Citation (Melbourne University Law Review, 3rd ed, 2012)

available online

http://www.law.unimelb.edu.au/files/dmfile/FinalOnlinePDF-2012Reprint.pdf

Recommended:

Most references are aimed at PhD students as there are very few references directed at honours students so please take this into account.

Hutchinson, Terry. Researching and Writing in Law (3 e) (Thomson, 2010)

Craswell, G & M Poore. Writing for Academic Success (Sage Publications, 2nd ed, 2012)

Creswell, J. Research Design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. (Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications, 3e 2009)

Dawson, J and N Peart. The Law of Research: A guide (Otago: Uni Otago Press, 2003)

Dunleavy, P. Authoring a PhD (Palgrave Macmillan, 2003) Chapter 9 on publishing

Enright, C. and P Sidorko. Legal Research Technique. (Sydney: Branxton Press, 2002).

Halliday, S., and P Schmidt. Conducting Law and Society Research: Reflections on methods and practices. (CUP, 2009)

McKerchar, M. Design and Conduct of Research in Tax, Law and Accounting (Sydney: Thompson LBC, 2010)

Punch, K. Developing Effective Research Proposals (Sage, 2006) (useful on literature reviews 44-49)

Watt, R. Concise Legal Research (Sydney: Federation Press, 6^th ed, 2009)

MOTIVATIONAL STRATEGIES

Useful websites:

Turbocharging your writing http://www.ithinkwell.com.au/resources.html

Aimed at PhD students and GPs, this site run by psychologists has a range of practical tips and strategies to help you plan and stick to your plan.

The Desk https://www.thedesk.org.au/about

Set up by the University of Queensland and funded by Beyond Blue, this Australian website aims to help students with modules, tools, and quizzes on avoiding perfectionism and procrastination, as well as advice on a broad range of stresses facing students. You need to register to use the site.

Unit Schedule

Week 1: Workshop on Research Proposal

Week 3: Workshop on Research Proposal

Week 5: Workshop on Literature Review and Methodology

Week 7: Workshop on Writing for a Generalist Audience in Law

Week 9: Workshop on Introduction

Week 11: Workshop on Structure

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Appeals Policy
Academic Integrity Policy
Academic Progression Policy
Assessment Policy
Fitness to Practice Procedure
Grade Appeal Policy
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Choose a research question appropriate for undergraduate legal research and identify the aims of the research.
Come up with an appropriate title for your research.
Demonstrate understanding of the background of the research topic; the existing research on the topic and the significance of your research to the existing research.
Summarise the main aspects of the research in a written research proposal in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Be able to articulate aspects of the research to the unit convenor and students in class using speech that is easy to understand.
Work independently to produce a research essay that is sophisticated and original and is written in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Formulate written arguments appropriate for a legal research project. Aim for creative and critical analysis and solid and logical structure. Ensure that argument is evidence-based and, if justified, evaluate and refute counter-arguments.

Assessment tasks

Research Proposal
Class Presentation
Research Essay

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Choose a research question appropriate for undergraduate legal research and identify the aims of the research.
Come up with an appropriate title for your research.
Demonstrate understanding of the background of the research topic; the existing research on the topic and the significance of your research to the existing research.
Work with a supervisor to establish a research plan and time frame for completion.
Summarise the main aspects of the research in a written research proposal in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Be able to articulate aspects of the research to the unit convenor and students in class using speech that is easy to understand.
Work independently to produce a research essay that is sophisticated and original and is written in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Formulate written arguments appropriate for a legal research project. Aim for creative and critical analysis and solid and logical structure. Ensure that argument is evidence-based and, if justified, evaluate and refute counter-arguments.

Assessment tasks

Class Presentation
Research Essay

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Summarise the main aspects of the research in a written research proposal in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Be able to articulate aspects of the research to the unit convenor and students in class using speech that is easy to understand.
Work independently to produce a research essay that is sophisticated and original and is written in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Formulate written arguments appropriate for a legal research project. Aim for creative and critical analysis and solid and logical structure. Ensure that argument is evidence-based and, if justified, evaluate and refute counter-arguments.

Assessment tasks

Research Proposal
Class Presentation
Research Essay

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Choose a research question appropriate for undergraduate legal research and identify the aims of the research.
Come up with an appropriate title for your research.
Demonstrate understanding of the background of the research topic; the existing research on the topic and the significance of your research to the existing research.
Identify appropriate legal research methodologies for the research and be able to give reasons why that methodology/ies have been used.
Summarise the main aspects of the research in a written research proposal in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Be able to articulate aspects of the research to the unit convenor and students in class using speech that is easy to understand.
Work independently to produce a research essay that is sophisticated and original and is written in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Formulate written arguments appropriate for a legal research project. Aim for creative and critical analysis and solid and logical structure. Ensure that argument is evidence-based and, if justified, evaluate and refute counter-arguments.
Use the AGLC style guide correctly (adapting it where appropriate).

Assessment tasks

Research Proposal
Class Presentation
Research Essay

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Choose a research question appropriate for undergraduate legal research and identify the aims of the research.
Demonstrate understanding of the background of the research topic; the existing research on the topic and the significance of your research to the existing research.
Identify appropriate legal research methodologies for the research and be able to give reasons why that methodology/ies have been used.
Summarise the main aspects of the research in a written research proposal in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Be able to articulate aspects of the research to the unit convenor and students in class using speech that is easy to understand.
Work independently to produce a research essay that is sophisticated and original and is written in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Formulate written arguments appropriate for a legal research project. Aim for creative and critical analysis and solid and logical structure. Ensure that argument is evidence-based and, if justified, evaluate and refute counter-arguments.

Assessment tasks

Research Proposal
Class Presentation
Research Essay

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Choose a research question appropriate for undergraduate legal research and identify the aims of the research.
Demonstrate understanding of the background of the research topic; the existing research on the topic and the significance of your research to the existing research.
Identify appropriate legal research methodologies for the research and be able to give reasons why that methodology/ies have been used.
Summarise the main aspects of the research in a written research proposal in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Be able to articulate aspects of the research to the unit convenor and students in class using speech that is easy to understand.
Work independently to produce a research essay that is sophisticated and original and is written in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Formulate written arguments appropriate for a legal research project. Aim for creative and critical analysis and solid and logical structure. Ensure that argument is evidence-based and, if justified, evaluate and refute counter-arguments.

Assessment tasks

Research Proposal
Class Presentation
Research Essay

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Choose a research question appropriate for undergraduate legal research and identify the aims of the research.
Come up with an appropriate title for your research.
Demonstrate understanding of the background of the research topic; the existing research on the topic and the significance of your research to the existing research.
Work with a supervisor to establish a research plan and time frame for completion.
Summarise the main aspects of the research in a written research proposal in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Be able to articulate aspects of the research to the unit convenor and students in class using speech that is easy to understand.
Work independently to produce a research essay that is sophisticated and original and is written in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.
Formulate written arguments appropriate for a legal research project. Aim for creative and critical analysis and solid and logical structure. Ensure that argument is evidence-based and, if justified, evaluate and refute counter-arguments.
Use the AGLC style guide correctly (adapting it where appropriate).

Assessment tasks

Research Proposal
Class Presentation
Research Essay

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

Work independently to produce a research essay that is sophisticated and original and is written in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.

Assessment task

Research Essay

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

Work independently to produce a research essay that is sophisticated and original and is written in language that is accessible to a non-expert reader.

Assessment task

Research Essay

Changes from Previous Offering

An informal presentation of students' research during the seminars has replaced the 3MT assessment.

Technologies Used and Required

Unit webpage and technology used and required

Online units can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/.

PC/Mac and Internet access are required. Basic computer skills (e.g., internet browsing) and skills in word processing are also a requirement.