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Independent Legal Research (LAWS90200)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2024
Overview
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This subject provides Melbourne Law Masters students with a unique opportunity to undertake a substantial and independent piece of legal research and writing under the close guidance of an appropriately qualified academic supervisor. The student will meet on a regular basis with their supervisor to develop a research proposal on a topic of their choosing within the supervisor’s specialist area. Further meetings will allow for discussion and provision of feedback on material prepared by the student. The supervisor may also host online discussion boards and/or Zoom meetings with students in the specialist area.
Intended learning outcomes
A student who has successfully completed this subject should have developed:
- an advanced level of understanding of the skills required to produce high-quality legal research.
- a capacity to reflect upon and engage with feedback from an academic supervisor.
- sophisticated interpretation and integration of relevant material from a full range of primary and secondary sources.
- critical analysis and argument that demonstrates substantial originality, creativity and insight into the research subject area.
- sophisticated, appropriate, effective and persuasive written communication skills, demonstrated in developing, structuring, editing, presenting and referencing relevant analysis, argument and conclusions on the research project, in a format appropriate for publication.
- creativity and originality in identifying, framing and developing their own sophisticated and relevant research question.
- a high level of personal autonomy and accountability in developing and executing the substantial research project.
- a rigorous and effective methodological approach to planning, researching and executing a substantial and innovative research-based project.
- a deep and integrated knowledge and understanding of the research project area including its connection with its broader contexts.
Generic skills
On completion of the subject, students should have demonstrated the following skills:
- Ability to undertake advanced legal research and writing;
- Ability to develop and frame a sophisticated legal research question;
- Ability to employ complex research methodologies well-suited to answering the research question;
- Ability to identify and critically analyse a diverse range of pertinent and complex materials;
- Capacity for advanced critical and independent thought and reflection; and
- Capacity to communicate the research results clearly, comprehensively and persuasively.
Last updated: 31 January 2024