Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Rita Matulionyte
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Credit points |
Credit points
10
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
100cp in LAWS units at 1000 level or above and a LAWS WAM of 75 or above
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
LAWS5910 (from 2022 onward)
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This is an advanced legal research unit for Bachelor of Laws students intending to graduate with Honours. In this unit, students work under the close supervision of the academic convenor of the unit and their research supervisor to develop a thesis that addresses a contemporary legal problem. Students work to identify the appropriate legal research methodology to address their research question and then apply that methodology to answer the question in the form of an 8000 word thesis. This unit requires advanced legal research skills, the ability to engage in self directed research under supervision and superior legal writing ability. Students will learn to design research projects with rigorous research methodologies, to proffer good written analyses with sound argumentation, and to reflect on legal scholarship and on the law critically while conducted ethical research. |
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Special Consideration
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – 10 marks out of 100 credit will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted seven days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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8000 word thesis | 80% | No | 18:00 05/11/2021 (Week 13) |
Thesis Plan | 20% | No | 18:00 27/08/2021 (Week 5) |
Assessment Type 1: Thesis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 70 hours
Due: 18:00 05/11/2021 (Week 13)
Weighting: 80%
Students will prepare an 8000 word thesis under close supervision from an academic from Macquarie Law School
Assessment Type 1: Plan
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 18:00 27/08/2021 (Week 5)
Weighting: 20%
In consultation with their supervisor and the convenor, students will prepare a comprehensive plan for their thesis including a literature review and legal research methodology appropriate to the research question
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
This unit will be delivered in a blocked (semi-intensive mode) with 2-hour classes running during Weeks 1-6 (with no classes for the remainder of the semester). Classes will be in a face-to-face or online mode (depending on COVID situation and advice from health authorities).
The prescribed textbook for this unit is Terry Hutchinson, Researching and Writing in Law (Thomson Reuters, 4th ed, 2018). Other recommended materials are listed on ilearn site
Unit Schedule
Week 1 - Introduction to legal research
Week 2 - Research Proposal I
Week 3 - Research Proposal II
Week 4 - Research methods and techniques I
Week 5 - Research methods and techniques II
Week 6 - Legal Writing
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
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.
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook