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Research & Advocacy Methods Module Code: LAW817 (72377) Programme(s): LLM Human Rights & Transitional Justice LLM Gender & Human Rights LLM Human Rights

Research & Advocacy Methods

Module Code: LAW817 (72377)

Programme(s): LLM Human Rights & Transitional Justice

LLM Gender & Human Rights

LLM Human Rights 

School of Law / Transitional Justice Institute

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Notice

Please be aware the information provided within the module handbook is subject to change.

  1. Table of Contents

Welcome

1. Module Overview and Communication

2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Graduate Attributes (GAs) in your module

3. Aim and Learning Outcomes

4. Assessment and Feedback

Coursework 1

Coursework 2

5. Learning Resources

Library’s Support Services

Blackboard Learning Support

IT Support

6. Organisation and Management

Seminars and Attendance

Teaching and Learning Plan

7. Student Voice and Support Services

UUSU Advice Bureau Service

UU Student Wellbeing Service

UU Student Success Centre

Welcome 

Welcome to LAW817 Research & Advocacy Methods:

This module handbook should provide you with all the information you need to successfully prepare for and complete this module and prepare for your dissertation. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the course structure, reading lists and assessment requirements. It is important to note that you will be expected to engage in both directed and independent study in advance of our weekly classes. It is therefore essential that you refer to this handbook and the module Blackboard page regularly for weekly readings and questions/case studies to consider.

Throughout this module you will be introduced to a diverse range of research and advocacy methods to help you develop the research and writing skills needed to be able to produce rigorous pieces of research, including your dissertation, and prepare for professional stages and a career in human rights law, gender and/or transitional justice

We look forward to working with you all and to some stimulating discussions in the semester ahead.

Kind regards

1. Module Overview and Communication

Module Details

Postgraduate Law Module

Module Title

Research & Advocacy Methods

Module Code

LAW817

Module Level

7

Credit points

20

Module Status

Core

Semester

2

Delivery Mode: Face-to-Face

Contact Details and Communication Methods

General Information, Queries and Consultations

If you require advice on any aspect of the module, please read the guidance provided here, in the Module Handbook. For General Queries, please utilise the class Discussion Board (if one has been made available in Blackboard Ultra). For Specific Queries or studies advice, you can avail of the ‘Drop-in Hours.’ Please contact me if you have questions relating to the module or wish to schedule an appointment. Please note, we aim to respond to emails within 48 hours during the working week.

 

Module Announcements

Key announcements will be presented during tutor-led activities. Out of class communication including notifications, reminders, etc will be distributed via the Blackboard Announcement tool. You will receive a duplication of the announcement direct to your student email inbox. It is essential that you check your emails and Blackboard Ultra regularly for new announcements. Blackboard is mobile responsive and will work on your phone browser, you can also download the ‘Blackboard’ App as an alternative to access these announcements, notifications and reminders as well as content.

2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Graduate Attributes (GAs) in your module

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The UN SDGs are a comprehensive set of global goals to end poverty, protect our planet and improve living conditions of the Global Population. You are encouraged to think critically and reflect on SDGs in the context of this module.

The following SDGs are relevant in the context of this module: 

Graduate Attributes (GAs)

Ulster University’s Graduate Attributes are a high-level set of competencies, developing universal understandings, skills, qualities, and values. 

As a result of engaging with this module you will have opportunities to develop and practise the following selected attributes:  

Thriving Individual

D

A

 

Engaged Learner

D

A

Enhancing Potential

Confidence and Resilience

Well-being

Growth Mindset

   

 

Subject Specialist

Creative Problem Solver

Researcher

Critical Thinker

   

Collaborative Professional

D

A

 

Active Citizen

D

A

Responsible Team Player

Effective Communicator

Enterprising Innovator

Digital Fluent Professional

   

 

Citizen with Integrity

Inclusive Citizen

Sustainable Citizen

Future Thinker

   

 

KEY:

D = Developed

A = Assessed

3. Aim and Learning Outcomes

Module Rationale

Anyone undertaking an advanced Masters programme can be expected to demonstrate an ability to investigate, analyse and report on a particular issue in a coherent and systematic manner that integrates law, policy and practice where appropriate. This module provides a full range of skills which students need to be able to produce rigorous pieces of research as part of their dissertation, and prepare for professional stages and a career in human rights law, gender and/or transitional justice. The module introduces students to key issues in advocacy such as navigating parliamentary systems and writing consultation responses. The module attempts to bridge the gap between academic and practical law. The understanding of sources of domestic law and public international law and study techniques including transferable skills in areas such as performing UN- research and time-management are fundamental skills. This understanding can then be applied to help support a practical approach to learning.

Module Aim

The module aims to:

  • Provide students with an overview of relevant research skills and methodology such that they understand the range of available sources and methodologies which they can use and apply to a human rights law and/ transitional justice, gender, conflict and human rights problem.
  • Provide students with guidance on how to identify and find relevant sources and materials.
  • Enable students to extract the essential points from those sources and materials
  • Enable the students to acquire confidence in exploring their research ideas and the skill to formulate a research proposal.
  • Introduce students to the research guidance.
  • Introduce students to key issues in advocacy such as navigating parliamentary resources and writing consultation responses.
  • Provide students with the skills to research and to write up a dissertation following guidance regarding presentation, word limit, time-management; and relations with their supervisor/s.

Learning Outcomes

  What you should be able to do by the end of this module?

Successful participants will be able to:

1) Understand and analyse complex legal, theoretical, methodological and policy issues

2) Synthesise and evaluate legal, theoretical, methodological and policy arguments

3) Locate and understand and apply a wide range of relevant primary and secondary sources and apply these appropriately and with judgment

4) Communicate complex ideas with clarity, accuracy and precision, in a structured manner, attending to referencing requirements, spelling and grammar

Using Gen AI Tools in this Module

Ulster University encourages the thoughtful and ethical use of Generative Artificial Intelligent (Gen AI) tools to enhance your learning and assessment while maintaining academic integrity. Ethical use means being transparent about when and how AI is used and never submitting AI-generated work as your own. Misuse of AI is considered a breach of Ulster’s academic integrity policies.

All use of AI must align with Ulster University’s guidance on the responsible and ethical use of AI in education and comply with the specific expectations set out for this module. If you are unsure about what is permitted, always speak with your module coordinator. For full details, refer to the University’s Guidance on the Use of AI.

How to Acknowledge the Use of Generative AI

Comprehensive guidance on the use of AI tools in learning and assessment, including how to appropriately acknowledge, reference, or cite Generative AI in assessments, is available on the Guidance on use of AI for students

4. Assessment and Feedback 

  What you need to do to demonstrate achievement of learning?

Summary Assessment Information

This module will be assessed via two items of assessment

Type

Assessment method

Submission date, time and submission method

Percentage (%) and word count equivalent

Feedback due date

Coursework 1

 

7.5-minute Video Presentation (1,000 word equivalent)

DATE: Friday 13th March 2026

TIME: By 12PM (NOON)

Submit via Blackboard

25%

20 working days post submission date (via Blackboard Ultra)

Coursework 2 

 

3,000-word Research Proposal

DATE: Monday 11th May 2026

TIME: By 12PM (NOON)

Submit via Blackboard

75%

20 working days post submission date (via Blackboard Ultra)

Assessment Guidance

1) Word count includes the title and contents pages but excludes footnote referencing, bibliography, tables and appendices.

5) Your work should include references to journal articles and other relevant publications and should be properly laid out using the OSCOLA system of referencing.This is through the use of footnotes followed by a bibliography and guidance will be provided throughout the module. More detailed guidance is available in the Subject Guides.We encourage you to make good use of all the support services offered by your Campus Librarian, further details are in the Learning Support Services Section.

6) You should refer to the assessment criteria to provide fuller details of the marking criteria for each classification band.

7) In addition, you should refer to the standard assessment guidelines as presented in your Programme Handbook/Support Area, this includes guidance and policies on referencing style, plagiarism, etc.

8) Marks are awarded for content, quality of analysis, and effective use of referencing. To achieve high marks, students will be expected to demonstrate a familiarity with the wider literature in the subject area.  Higher marks will also be awarded to students who provide strong analysis and critical evaluation of the various concepts and techniques identified and their application to real world situations.  

9) Coursework must be submitted by the dates specified. Coursework submitted after the deadline, without prior approval, is not normally accepted. For further guidance on the late submission of coursework, please see the Programme handbook.

10) Assessments must be submitted as per the assessment brief.

Please note: Words in excess of +10% of the word count will not be marked

Coursework 1

Assessment Task

7.5-minute (1,000 word equivalent) Video Presentation

Coursework 1 – BRIEF

Create a 7.5 minute (1,000 word equivalent) video presentation outlining your proposed research topic. The presentation should clearly address:

  • The chosen topic and its significance
  • A brief background and context
  • The purpose of the research and key research questions
  • Core concepts, including relevant theories and key authors
  • The proposed methodology

a) Detailed assessment guidance will be made available in your Blackboard Module Assessment Folder.

b) This coursework accounts for 25% of the overall module assessment.

c) Completed assignments must be submitted using the Panopto Student Submission tool via your Blackboard Module Area by the specified date and time outlined in the Summary Assessment Information table above.

d) All submitted assignments should have the file name:

i) “SurnameFirstNameBNumber”

ii) e.g. BrownJohnB00001234_AssignmentOne.

Coursework 1 – FEEDBACK

Written feedback on the assessment will be provided via Blackboard 20 working days post-submission

Coursework 2

Assessment Task

3,000-word Research Proposal

A good research proposal should include the following; a suitable title, an introduction, a statement of the purpose, research questions, a statement on the significance of the study (also referred to as a justification), a literature review, methodology, methods, ethics and a statement on how the study is organized (basically a breakdown of proposed chapters).

Approximate word counts for each section are provided below, though depending on the project you may be justified in writing more or less in each section.

1. The Title

The title should be brief and incorporate key words that focus attention on the objectives of the proposed research. It should aim to interest potential readers in your study.

2. Introduction Approx 300 words

The purpose of the introduction is to provide background information regarding the problem under investigation. The introduction should provide readers with a brief summary of literature and research related to the problem being investigated, and should lead up to the statement of the purpose of the project. It narrows the focus of the study and provides a brief rationale for why the study is worth pursuing.

3. Purpose of the Project Approximately 150 words

The purpose of the study is stated in this section. The statement of purpose  is a critical part of the research proposal and dissertation because it provides focus and direction for the remainder of the study. A well-written statement of purpose defines the problem and helps identify the variables that will be investigated in the study. The purpose  should be stated succinctly and should be expressed in not more than two brief sentences. The following examples illustrate commonly used formats that are acceptable:

  • This study will compare, contrast, investigate, determine, examine, develop, clarify, or evaluate the issue being studied.
  • This study is designed to investigate faculty of law students’ perception regarding the approaches of different lecturers to examinations with a view to advising students on which courses to avoid.

Since you are writing a dissertation in law, it is critical that your purpose addresses a legal or sociolegal or legal philosophical issue; this can be done through different disciplinary perspectives but there must be some issue of law or law’s effects involved.

4. Research Questions Approximately 150 words

The purpose is further explicated in this section. Research questions emerge from the purpose and operationalize it in terms of specific variables and relationships to be examined and reported. Normally there are a small number of research questions, though you might have one main question and then 2-4 sub questions.

‘What’ type questions tend to yield descriptive answers. While they have a role in a proposal, consider using ‘how’ or ‘why’ questions to develop the analysis.

(Some guides on dissertations suggest using hypotheses rather than or in addition to research questions. As a general rule, hypotheses are stated when the research design is experimental or quasi-experimental in nature. Conversely, survey research and non-experimental research are generally limited to research questions. Hypotheses are tested, while research questions are answered.)

5. Significance of the Study Approximately 150 words

This section addresses the ‘so what?’ of the study. It describes or explains the potential value of the study and findings to the discipline and society at large. It should therefore identify the audience for the study and state how the results will be beneficial to them. Remember, research is conducted to add to the existing knowledge base and/or solve a problem-how your particular research will do these should be articulated in this section.

6. Literature Review Approximately 1350 words

The purpose of the literature review is to provide the reader with a review of the literature related to the problem under investigation. It could contain theories relevant to the problem, a historical overview of the problem, current trends related to the problem, and significant research (data) published about the problem.

The literature review should discuss what others have done thereby setting a benchmark for your study. It is called a literature review because it is based on published academic material on the subject. A thorough literature review is essential because it shows that you have studied rigorously what others have done. This lends credibility when you state the purpose of the dissertation is addressing, and when you provide reasons as to why obtaining a solution is significant.

7. Methodology (Theoretical Framework / Approach) Approximately 150 words

In this section you should explain what the framework is that you are using to approach the project. This is closely related to the methods you will use but not identical. The methodology or framework might be a doctrinal blackletter approach and then the method used will be legal analysis and interpretation and you might want to explain your approach to interpretation. You may want to adopt a sociolegal or empirical approach and then you may want to collect empirical, historical, or quantitive data form different sources.  Or you may be adopting a critical, comparative, feminist etc framework and then the methods will have to be considered in the light of that.

8.  Methods Approximately 300 words

In this section, you should explain how you will conduct the research in as much detail as possible.

The methods will depend on your research questions and methodology (theoretical framework or approach). Consider what sources (legal and extra-legal, primary or secondary) you will look at and how you will examine them. Provide  as much detail as possible at this stage. (As the project is underway you might find the need to revise your methodology, explore new types of source material, and/or adopt new methods of gathering and processing data. If this happens, revise this section of the proposal)

9. Research ethics and integrity Approximately 150 words

Here you need to consider any issues of research ethics and integrity raised by the research. All research raises issues of ethics and integrity, though to differing degrees.

10. Provisional Outline of the Study (draft table of contents) Approximately 300 words

This section summarizes the contents of each of the chapters that will comprise the study. This section is essential as it helps the writer to organize his or her thoughts regarding how to organize and logically present the study. Please include indicative word counts for each chapter and a date for completing the first draft of each chapter. It might be helpful to present this in a table.

11. Bibliography

Include a bibliography of all the primary and secondary sources you have referenced in your proposal. This should separate primary and secondary sources. Secondary sources should be listed alphabetically by author surname.

NB: Your footnote referencing and bibliography are not included in the word count.

Coursework 2 – BRIEF

a) The assignment must take the form of an individual word-processed essay.

e) Detailed assessment guidance will be made available in your Blackboard Module Assessment Folder.

f) Completed assignments must be submitted in .doc or .docx Word format via your Blackboard Module Area by the specified date and time outlined in the Summary Assessment Information table above.

g) All submitted assignments should have the file name:

i) “SurnameFirstNameBNumber”

ii) e.g. BrownJohnB00001234_AssignmentTwo.

Coursework 2 – FEEDBACK

Written feedback on the assessment will be provided via Blackboard 20 working days post-submission.

ASSESSMENT 1 RUBRIC/MARKING PROFORMA

 

Criterion

 

Fail (0 – 39%)

 

 

Marginal Fail (40 – 49%)

 

 

Pass (50 – 59%)

 

Commendation

(60 – 69%)

 

Distinction

(70 – 79%)

 

High Distinction

(80– 100%)

LO1 Understand and analyse complex legal, theoretical, methodological and policy issues (25%)

Little or no understanding of the legal, theoretical, methodological or policy issues.

Limited and inadequate understanding of legal, theoretical, methodological and policy issues. Contains many mistakes or omissions.   

Adequate understanding of the legal, theoretical, methodological and policy issues. Some mistakes and omissions may be present. Engagement with the issues may be limited.

Good understanding of the legal, theoretical, methodological and policy issues, with only minor mistakes or omissions at most.

Strong understanding of the legal, theoretical, methodological and policy issues, including complex ones, with no non-trivial mistakes or omissions.

Exceptional and original understanding of the legal, theoretical, methodological and policy issues, including complex ones, with no mistakes or omissions.

LO2 Synthesise, evaluate and develop legal, theoretical, methodological and policy arguments (25%)

 

Little or no efforts at developing an argument or offering any evaluation or synthesis.

Limited and inadequate efforts at developing an argument or offering any evaluation or synthesis. Critical analysis is superficial at best. Little overall argument.

Adequate. Some critical analysis is present but underdeveloped. Overall effort at synthesis, evaluation and argument may be lacking  coherence, nuance, depth or breadth.

Good critical appraisal approach which develops a coherent argument. Critical analysis is well-developed. Overall argument has demonstrates good coherence, nuance, breadth and depth.

Strong synthesis, evaluation and development of argument. Critical analysis is insightful. Overall argument has excellent coherence, nuance, breadth and depth.

Exceptionally sophisticated and original synthesis, evaluation and development of argument. Arguments and insights presented are worthy of publication.

LO 3 Locate and understand and apply a wide range of relevant primary and secondary sources and apply these appropriately and with judgment (25%)

Very limited or no references to appropriate sources.

Limited references to appropriate sources.

Inclusion of relevant primary and/or secondary sources. May lack primary sources or may lack secondary sources. Possible overuse of inappropriate or low-quality sources.

Very good use of both relevant primary and secondary sources. Demonstrates diligent effort to locate relevant sources. May have minor omissions.  

Very good understanding of arguments presented in these sources.

Excellent use of up-to-date primary and secondary. Demonstrates diligent effort to locate relevant sources. May have (very few) minor omissions.  Excellent understanding of arguments contained in sources. Demonstrates careful, thorough reading of the material.

Sophisticated use of a wide range of up-to-date primary and secondary sources. Demonstrates comprehensive effort to locate relevant sources. No significant omissions.  Very thoughtful understanding of the key arguments presented in these sources. Demonstrates careful, thorough and deep reading of the material.

LO 4 Communicate complex ideas with clarity, accuracy and precision, in a structured manner, attending to referencing requirements, spelling and grammar (25%)

Very poor presentation, structure, grammar. Language is very vague, wordy or confusing.

Weak presentation and structure, Language is vague, wordy or confusing.

Orderly presentation. Competently structured. Language is reasonably clear.

Good presentation. Logically structured – each paragraph develops one idea and follows logically from the previous one; sections follow logically. Good use of transition and signposting language. Language is clear, precise and concise.

Excellent, well-directed presentation. Logically structured – each paragraph develops one idea and follows logically from the previous one; sections follow logically. Excellent use of transition and signposting language. Language is clear, precise and concise.

Exceptional presentation which makes the overall argument clear and persuasive. Logically structured– each paragraph develops one idea and follows logically from the previous one; sections follow logically. Exceptional use of transition and signposting language Language is clear, precise and concise and conveys the meaning with elegance.

ASSESSMENT 2 RUBRIC/MARKING PROFORMA

 

Criterion

 

Fail (0 – 39%)

 

 

Marginal Fail (40 – 49%)

 

 

Pass (50 – 59%)

 

Commendation

(60 – 69%)

 

Distinction

(70 – 79%)

 

High Distinction

(80– 100%)

LO1 Understand and analyse complex legal, theoretical, methodological and policy issues (25%)

Little or no understanding of the legal, theoretical, methodological or policy issues.

Limited and inadequate understanding of legal, theoretical, methodological and policy issues. Contains many mistakes or omissions.   

Adequate understanding of the legal, theoretical, methodological and policy issues. Some mistakes and omissions may be present. Engagement with the issues may be limited.

Good understanding of the legal, theoretical, methodological and policy issues, with only minor mistakes or omissions at most.

Strong understanding of the legal, theoretical, methodological and policy issues, including complex ones, with no non-trivial mistakes or omissions.

Exceptional and original understanding of the legal, theoretical, methodological and policy issues, including complex ones, with no mistakes or omissions.

LO2 Synthesise, evaluate and develop legal, theoretical, methodological and policy arguments (25%)

 

Little or no efforts at developing an argument or offering any evaluation or synthesis.

Limited and inadequate efforts at developing an argument or offering any evaluation or synthesis. Critical analysis is superficial at best. Little overall argument.

Adequate. Some critical analysis is present but underdeveloped. Overall effort at synthesis, evaluation and argument may be lacking  coherence, nuance, depth or breadth.

Good critical appraisal approach which develops a coherent argument. Critical analysis is well-developed. Overall argument has demonstrates good coherence, nuance, breadth and depth.

Strong synthesis, evaluation and development of argument. Critical analysis is insightful. Overall argument has excellent coherence, nuance, breadth and depth.

Exceptionally sophisticated and original synthesis, evaluation and development of argument. Arguments and insights presented are worthy of publication.

LO 3 Locate and understand and apply a wide range of relevant primary and secondary sources and apply these appropriately and with judgment (25%)

Very limited or no references to appropriate sources.

Limited references to appropriate sources.

Inclusion of relevant primary and/or secondary sources. May lack primary sources or may lack secondary sources. Possible overuse of inappropriate or low-quality sources.

Very good use of both relevant primary and secondary sources. Demonstrates diligent effort to locate relevant sources. May have minor omissions.  

Very good understanding of arguments presented in these sources.

Excellent use of up-to-date primary and secondary. Demonstrates diligent effort to locate relevant sources. May have (very few) minor omissions.  Excellent understanding of arguments contained in sources. Demonstrates careful, thorough reading of the material.

Sophisticated use of a wide range of up-to-date primary and secondary sources. Demonstrates comprehensive effort to locate relevant sources. No significant omissions.  Very thoughtful understanding of the key arguments presented in these sources. Demonstrates careful, thorough and deep reading of the material.

LO 4 Communicate complex ideas with clarity, accuracy and precision, in a structured manner, attending to referencing requirements, spelling and grammar (25%)

Very poor presentation, structure, spelling and grammar. Little or no referencing and bibliography. Language is very vague, wordy or confusing.

Weak presentation and structure, acceptable spelling and grammar. Inadequate referencing and bibliography. Language is vague, wordy or confusing.

Orderly presentation. Competently structured and acceptable spelling and grammar.  Adequate referencing and bibliography with adequate use of OSCOLA referencing though not always precise, consistent or full. Language is reasonably clear.

Good presentation. Logically structured – each paragraph develops one idea and follows logically from the previous one; sections follow logically. Good use of transition and signposting language. Uses correct spelling and grammar throughout. Appropriate referencing and bibliography using OSCOLA though possibly some lack of precision or consistency. Language is clear, precise and concise.

Excellent, well-directed presentation. Logically structured – each paragraph develops one idea and follows logically from the previous one; sections follow logically. Excellent use of transition and signposting language. Uses correct spelling and grammar throughout. Comprehensive referencing and bibliography – OSCOLA used flawlessly and precisely with full references given. Language is clear, precise and concise.

Exceptional presentation which makes the overall argument clear and persuasive. Logically structured– each paragraph develops one idea and follows logically from the previous one; sections follow logically. Exceptional use of transition and signposting language Uses correct spelling and grammar throughout. Excellent referencing and bibliography – OSCOLA used flawlessly and precisely with full references given. Language is clear, precise and concise and conveys the meaning with elegance.

5. Learning Resources

A list of current learning resources specifically chosen to build your knowledge and understanding for this module

Reading List  Also available online via Key Links: https://ulster.keylinks.org/new-ui/ 

Books/Journal Article/Publications Required Reading (Must read)

Please see the Teaching and Learning Plan

Books/Journal Article/Publications Recommended Reading (Should read/Could read)

Please see the Teaching and Learning Plan 

Useful Journals

Please see the Teaching and Learning Plan

Useful Library Databases and Websites

Please see the Teaching and Learning Plan

6. Organisation and Management

  Types of learning activities that will make up your weekly timetable

LAW817 is a 20-credit point module, this requires approximately 200 hours of your commitment, distributed through the following learning and teaching activities over the 15-week semester. For a description of the nature of the learning activities please refer to your Programme handbook.

Summary of Learning Activities

Learning Activities: Week 1-12

Indicative Weekly Hours  

Total Hours (200 hours)

Lecture/Seminar and Class Activities

3 hours

36

Independent Study: Week 1-15

Indicative Guide  

 

Independent Study – including assigned reading, seminar preparation and assessment preparation

13.66 hours

164

The teaching and learning plan provides a more detailed overview of content on a weekly basis.

Module delivery will typically consist of a two-hour lecture and a one-hour seminar discussion although format may vary slightly between weeks/sessions.

 Class will be held on Thursdays 14:15-17:15 in BC-03-104 however this may be subject to changes so please regularly check your Timetable via PUBLISH.

Seminars and Attendance

Please refer to the Teaching and Learning Plan below for details of seminar topics. Attendance at seminars is essential and will be monitored.

All students are expected to download the SEAtS Student Attendance App via the App Store or Google Play to register their attendance when they arrive for each class. Regular check-ins using the app help you stay on track with your studies and maintain an accurate attendance record.

You can find everything you need to know about checking into your classes—including user guides, video demonstrations, and FAQs—on the SEAtS attendance information page.

Teaching and Learning Plan 

The teaching plan/order of weekly topics is subject to change. The list below provides an outline summary of weekly activities and further information is available on Blackboard Ultra in the relevant week’s folder. Students will be expected to engage in all prescribed activities that contribute towards final assessment.

Week/L&T Methods

Curriculum Content/Topic Title

Independent/Directed Study, includes: Required Reading, Seminar Preparation, and/or Assessment Preparation and due dates

Week 1

CM & FH

 

 

Module Welcome

This session will examine the process of diagnosis by which the student can more fully understand the research task ahead of them; planning research and strategies for gathering and organising information; developing argument and critical evaluation; tackling research proposals and dissertations; time -management; and relations with their supervisor. We will touch on the resources that are available for research and how to identify a researchable issue. Issues surrounding how to choose an appropriate topic, craft an introduction, problem statement, objectives and hypothesis will also be examined. In addition, we will look at how to identify gaps in literature and theories that could be used to address these gaps.

 

Activities:

Prior to the class please take a look at the outline of a research proposal (‘Writing the Research Proposal’) in the handbook and start a draft.

At this stage it is fine to ‘pass’ or leave blank most of the elements but it would be useful if you had an idea as to the possible title to give us a sense of the type of topic you might work on. Please be prepared to share this area briefly in class.

Also please take a look at some of the sample dissertations available on the TJI Programmes area on blackboard. There is a folder called ‘Sample Dissertations’.

 

Questions:

  • What is a dissertation?
  • What is the importance of the aims and objectives of a dissertation? What is a research question?
  • Outline the stages in the research process
  • What should you bear in mind when choosing a topic
  • What if you cannot think of a topic?
  • Why is a  literature review regarded as important in dissertations?
  • If you have already chosen your research subject, and yet cannot find very much specific literature on it, what strategies could you use?
  • If you want some of the literature you use to be very recent, what would be the best kind of literature to use?
  • Identify and discuss the key elements of a research proposal.
  • Why is the student/ supervisor relationship critical to research?
  • What should you look for in a supervisor?
  • What do supervisors expect from their students?
  • Why should students preparing to undertake a legal dissertation be concerned with questions of research methodology?

 

Required Reading

R O’Connell ‘Writing a postgraduate dissertation in Law` https://conlawfiles.org/dissertation/

Walliman, N. Your Research Project: A Step-by-Step Guide for the First-Time Researcher. (Sage 2003) Chapter 1, 4 and 9 (EBOOK)

Sara Efrat Efron and Ruth Ravid, Writing the Literature Review: A Practical Guide (Guilford Publications 2018) Chapter 1 (EBOOK) OR Diana Ridley, The literature review: A step-by-step guide for students (Sage 2012) Chapter 2 (EBOOK)

 

Recommended Reading

Stella Cottrell, Critical Thinking Skills: Effective Analysis, Argument and Reflection (Macmillan International Higher Education 2017) Chapter 1

Norman Blaikie, Designing Social Research (Polity 2009), Chapter Two

Tom Clark, Liam Foster and Alan Bryman, How to Do Your Social Research Project or Dissertation (Oxford University Press, 2019) Chapter on Reviewing the Literature.

Cottrell, S Dissertations and Project Reports: A step by step guide (Macmillan International Higher Education 2014)

Salter M. and Mason J. (2007) Writing Law Dissertations: An Introduction and Guide to the Conduct of Legal Research. (Harlow, Essex, England: Pearson Education) Chapter 1.

Emily Finch and Stefan Fafinski, Legal Skills (2nd Oxford University Press 2019) Chapter on ‘Dissertations’

Wayne C Booth, Gregory G Colomb, Gregory G Colomb, Joseph M Williams and Joseph M Williams, The Craft of Research (University of Chicago press 2003), Chapter Three ‘From Topics to Questions’

Rowena Murray, How to write a thesis (McGraw-Hill Education  2011)

Patrick Dunleavy, Authoring a PhD: How to Plan, Draft, Write and Finish a Doctoral Thesis or Dissertation (Palgrave Macmillan 2003)

Hanson, S. (2012 3RD ed) Legal Method, Skills and Reasoning. (London: Cavendish) Chapter 1.

Hart, C. Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Social Science Research Imagination. (London: Sage Publications) pages 26 -44.

Naomi Creutzfeldt, Marc Mason and Kirsten McConnachie, Routledge Handbook of Socio-Legal Theory and Methods (Routledge 2020)

Umberto Eco, How to Write a Thesis (MIT Press 2015)

 

Week 2

FH

 

Social Science Research Methods

This session will examine some of the methodologies more commonly used across the broader social sciences disciplines and consider the advantages and disadvantages of different methods, including both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Questions:

Explain the following terms:

  • Epistemology
  • Falsification
  • Qualitative data
  • Quantitative  data
  • Variable
  • Mixed methods
  • Triangulation

 

What are the benefits and disadvantages of qualitative and quantitative research?

 

What are the benefits and disadvantages of these different types of research method?

  • Interviews
  • Focus Group
  • Survey
  • Ethnographic
  • Case Study
  • Grounded theory
  • Action research

 

What are different types of interviews? What are their respective benefits and disadvantages?

 

What factors should you consider in choosing case studies?

 

Required Reading

Sara Efrat Efron and Ruth Ravid, Writing the literature review: A Practical Guide (Guilford Publications 2019) Chapter 2

Judith Bell, Doing Your Research Project: A guide for first-time researchers (Open University Press 2018) Chapter ‘Approaches to Research’  (EBOOK)

Cottrell, S Dissertations and Project Reports: A step by step guide (Macmillan International Higher Education 2014) Chapter 11, ‘Methodological Approaches’

Denscombe M, The Good Research Guide: for Small-scale Social Research Projects (Open University Press 2017) Chapter ‘Case Studies’

Sotirios Sarantakos, Social Research (Macmillan International Higher Education 2012) Chapter 12 ‘Interviews’ or Denscombe M, The Good Research Guide: for Small-scale Social Research Projects (Open University Press 2017) Chapter ‘Interviews’

 

Recommended Reading

Bryman A, Social Research Methods (Oxford University Press 2021)

Bryman A, Tim F Liao and Michael S Lewis-Beck, The SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods (Sage Publications, Incorporated 2004)

Bryson A and Seán McConville, The Routledge Guide to Interviewing: Oral History, Social Enquiry and Investigation (Routledge 2014)

Cottrell, S Dissertations and Project Reports: A step by step guide (Macmillan International Higher Education 2014) Chapters 15-20

Denscombe M, The Good Research Guide: for Small-scale Social Research Projects (Open University Press 2017)

Dillon M, Introduction to sociological theory: Theorists, concepts, and their applicability to the twenty-first century (John Wiley & Sons 2020)

Druckman D, Doing Research: Methods of Inquiry for Conflict Analysis (Sage publications 2005)

King, G., Keohane, R. O., and Verba, S. Designing Social Inquiry: Scientific Inference in Qualitative Research (Princeton: Princeton University Press 1994)

Tim May, Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process (Open University Press 2011)

Sarantakos S, Social Research (Macmillan International Higher Education 2012) (Ebook)

Seale C, Researching Society and Culture (Sage 2004)

Silverman, D. Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook (London: Sage 2017)

 

Useful online resources:

National Centre for Research Methods: https://www.ncrm.ac.uk/resources/

There are some really interesting podcasts available which may serve to provide some inspiration and food for thought for your research proposal.

Harvard University, Committee on Degrees in Social Studies (resources): https://socialstudies.fas.harvard.edu/methods-resources 

Sage Research Methods: https://methods.sagepub.com/   

Social Research Association, Good Practice Guides: https://the-sra.org.uk/SRA/SRA/Resources/Good-Practice.aspx?hkey=ccb6430d-24a0-4229-8074-637d54e97a5d   

 

Week 3

CM

 

Sociolegal Research Methods

  • What is sociolegal research? Discuss its nature and goals.
  • In what ways is a sociolegal methodology distinctive from other approaches, particularly traditional doctrinal research?
  • Which research methods and skills, if any, might a student who wishes to adopt the sociolegal approach be expected to learn and apply?
  • What kind of issues and factors that are excluded by black letter approaches are positively required by a socio-legal methodology?
  • What are the main arguments for and against adopting the sociolegal approach both generally and with respect to your own particular dissertation topic?

 

Required Reading

Lisa Webley, `The Why and How To of Conducting a Socio-legal Empirical Research Project` in Marc Mason Naomi Creutzfeldt, and Kirsten McConnachie (ed.) Routledge Handbook of Socio-Legal Theory and Methods (Routledge 2019)

Linda Mulcahy and Rachel Cahill-O`Callaghan, `Introduction: Socio-legal Methodologies` (2021) 48 (s1) Journal of Law and Society S1-S9

 

Recommended Reading

Naomi Creutzfeldt, Marc Mason and Kirsten McConnachie, Routledge Handbook of Socio-Legal Theory and Methods (Routledge 2019)

Banaka, R. and Travers, M. (2005) Theory and Method in Socio-Legal Research. (Oxford: Hart, Onati International Series in Law and Society)

Talesh, Shauhin, Elizabeth Mertz and Heinz Klug Research Handbook on Modern Legal Realism (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2021)

 

Week 4

RO’C

 

Doctrinal Legal Research

We will discuss the main types of legal research and in particular the concepts of doctrinal or blackletter legal research. When discussing blackletter legal research we will consider different approaches to interpretation and key elements to look out for when reading cases.

 

Questions

  • What is blackletter or doctrinal research?
  • Discuss the main points which have been argued for and against the adoption of the black letter approach to the conduct of research.
  • How does the doctrine of precedent work in a common law country?
  • What are the rules of statutory interpretation?
  • What are the key sources of international law?
  • How are international law sources to be interpreted?  

 

In this seminar we will also review how to make effective use of different databases including Westlaw, Lexis, Bailii, HUDOC, OHCHR.

 

 

Required reading

Christine Chinkin ‘Sources’ in Daniel Moeckli, Sangeeta Shah, David Harris and Sandesh Sivakumaran, International Human Rights Law (Oxford University Press 2022)

Martin Scheinin, `The Art and Science of Interpretation in Human Rights Law` in B. Andreassen, H. O. Sano and Siobhán McInerney-Lankford (ed.) Research Methods in Human Rights: A Handbook (2017) (EBOOK)

Christopher McCrudden, `Legal Research and the Social Sciences` (2006) Law Quarterly Review 632

David Feldman, `The Nature of Legal Scholarship` (1989) 52 Modern Law Review 498-517

Martha Minow, `Archetypal Legal Scholarship – A Field Guide` (2013) 63 Journal of Legal Education 65

Hutchinson ‘Doctrinal Research: Researching the Jury’; and  Cownie and Bradney ‘Socio-Legal Studies: a challenge to the doctrinal approach’ Watkins D and Burton M. Research Methods in Law, (Routledge 2018) chapters 1 and 2

Statute of the International Court of Justice, article 38

Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties 1969, Part III and esp article 31

 

Recommended Reading

Mathias M Siems and Daithi Mac Sithigh, `Mapping Legal Research` (2012) 71 Cambridge Law Journal 651-676

M. Van Hoecke, Methodologies of Legal Research: Which Kind of Method for What Kind of Discipline? (Hart 2011)

Robert Cryer, Tamara Hervey, Bal Sokhi-Bulley and Alexandra Bohm, Research Methodologies in EU and International Law (Hart 2011)

Salter M. and Mason J. (2007) Writing Law Dissertations: An Introduction and Guide to the Conduct of Legal Research. (Harlow, Essex, England: Pearson Education) chapters 4, 5 and 6

Terry Hutchinson and Nigel Duncan, `Defining and describing what we do: Doctrinal legal research` (2012) 17 (1) Deakin Law Review

Rossana Deplano and Nicholas Tsagourias, Research Methods in International Law: A Handbook (Elgar 2020)

 

Week 5

FH

 

Feminist Legal Research

This session examines  the key features of feminist legal analysis. It explores the different schools of feminist thought and examines distinctive feminist legal methodologies. 

 

Questions

  • What are the different schools of feminism?
  • How important are the differences, if any, between these schools?
  • What are the distinctive methods of feminist research methodology in law?

 

Required Reading

H. Charlesworth, C. Chinkin and S. Wright, `Feminist Approaches to International Law` (1991) 85 American Journal of International Law 621

Ekaterina Yahyaoui Krivenko, `The ICJ and Jus Cogens through the Lens of Feminist Legal Methods` (2017) 28 (3) European Journal of International Law 959

Gina Heathcote and Paola Zichi, `Feminist Methodologies` in Rossana Deplano and Nicholas Tsagourias (eds) Research Methods in International Law (Edward Elgar Publishing 2021)

Bartlett, KT `Feminist Legal Methods` (1990) Harvard Law Review 829-888

Bartlett KT, `Feminist Legal Scholarship: A History through the Lens of the California Law Review` (2012) 100 California Law Review 381

Ní Aoláin F, `Advancing Feminist Positioning in the Field of Transitional Justice` (2012) 6 (2) International Journal of Transitional Justice 205-228

Gonzalez-Salzberg D, `5 A queer approach to the Advisory Opinion 24/2017 on LGBT rights` in Damian Gonzalez-Salzberg and Loveday Hodson (ed.) Research Methods for International Human Rights Law: Beyond the Traditional Paradigm (Routledge 2020)

 

Recommended Reading

Charlesworth H, Gina Heathcote and Emily Jones, `Feminist Scholarship on International Law in the 1990s and Today: An Inter-generational Conversation` (2019) 27 (1) Feminist Legal Studies 79-93

Charlesworth H, `Feminist Methods in International Law` (1999) 93 (2) American Journal of International Law 379-394

Hodson L and Troy Lavers, Feminist Judgments in International Law (Bloomsbury Publishing 2019)

Hilary Charlesworth and CM Chinkin, The Boundaries of International Law: a Feminist Analysis (Juris Pub. : Manchester University Press 2000)

Nancy Levit, Robert RM Verchick and Martha Minow, Feminist Legal Theory: A Primer (NYU Press 2016)

Wright, Shelly `Economic Rights and Social Justice: a Feminist Analysis of Some International Human Rights Conventions` (1992) 12 (1) The Australian Year Book of International Law Online 241-264

Andrew Byrnes, `Women, Feminism and International Human Rights Law–Methodological Myopia, Fundamental Flaws or Meaningful Marginalisation–Some Current Issues` (1988) 12 Aust. YBIL 205

Rosemary Hunter, `Feminist Approaches to Socio-legal Studies` in Naomi Creutzfeldt, Marc Mason and Kirsten McConnachie (ed.) Routledge Handbook of Socio-Legal Theory and Methods (2021)

 

Week 6

READING WEEK – NO CLASSES

Please take the time to work on assessments

Week 7

CM

 

Critical Methods

We continue our discussion of different critical methodologies by considering approaches such as Marxism, critical legal studies (CLS), postcolonial, postmodern.

We conclude by discussing some specific challenges in areas like  Human Rights and Transitional Justice Scholarship

 

Questions

  • How does a critical analysis differ from a doctrinal legal analysis of the law?
  • How does postcolonialism alter our understanding of human rights law?
  • How do postmodern approaches to law challenge traditional approaches to legal scholarship?
  • Are there special problems associated with human rights methodology?

 

Activity

In addition to the required readings, everyone should also select one of the other recommended readings and be prepared to explain (in 3 minutes or less) the author’s approach to methodology. There are a range of different methodologies – Marxist, postmodern, postcolonial etc so feel free to read the one most interesting to you.

 

Required reading

Bal Sokhi-Bulley, `Alternative Methodologies: Learning Critique as a Skill` (2013) 3 (2) Law and Method 6-23

Anghie A, `The Evolution of International Law: Colonial and Postcolonial Realities` (2006) 27 Third World Quarterly 739-753

Balkin JM, `Deconstructive Practice and Legal Theory` (1987) 96 Yale Law Journal 743

Knox R, `2 A Marxist Approach to RMT v United Kingdom` in Damian Gonzalez-Salzberg and Loveday Hodson (eds.) Research Methods for International Human Rights Law: Beyond the Traditional Paradigm (Routledge 2020)

F. Grünfeld, M.T. Kamminga and F. Coomans, `Methods of Human Rights Research: A Primer` (2010) 32 (1) Human Rights Quarterly 179-186

 

Recommended Reading

Overview

Robert Cryer, Tamara Hervey, Bal Sokhi-Bulley and Alexandra Bohm, Research Methodologies in EU and International Law (Hart 2011)

Rossana Deplano and Nicholas Tsagourias, Research Methods in International Law: A Handbook (Elgar 2021)

Bartl, Marija and Jessica C Lawrence The Politics of European Legal Research: Behind the Method (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2022) e-book

 

Critical

Karl Marx, `On the Jewish Question` in E. Easton and K. Guddat (ed.) Writings of the Young Marx on Philosophy and Society (Doubleday Books 1967, 1843)

Tanja Aalberts and Ben Golder, `On the Uses of Foucault for International Law` (2012) 25 (03) Leiden Journal of International Law 603-608

Krasmann S, `Targeted Killing and its Law: On a Mutually Constitutive Relationship` (2012) 25 (3) Leiden Journal of International Law 665-682

Koskenniemi M, `The Politics of International Law–20 Years Later` (2009) 20 (1) European Journal of International Law 7-19

Koskenniemi M, The Politics of International Law (Hart 2010)

Bauman, R W Critical Legal Studies: A Guide to the Literature (Routledge, 2021)

Ben Golder, `Foucault’s Critical (Yet Ambivalent) Affirmation: Three Figures of Rights` (2011) 20 (3) Social & Legal Studies 283-312

 

Human Rights

Damian Gonzalez-Salzberg and Loveday Hodson, Research Methods for International Human Rights Law: Beyond the Traditional Paradigm (Routledge 2020)

McConnell L & Smith R, Research Methods in Human Rights (Routledge 2018)

Andreassen BA, Hans-Otto Sano and Siobhán McInerney-Lankford, Research Methods in Human Rights: A Handbook (Edward Elgar Publishing 2017)

Dembour MB, Who Believes in Human Rights? Reflections on the European Convention (Cambridge University Press 2006)

Bardo Fassbender and Knut Traisbach, The Limits of Human Rights (Oxford University Press 2019)

Susan Marks, A False Tree of Liberty: Human Rights in Radical Thought (Oxford University Press 2019)

Hugo van der Merwe and M Brinton Lykes, `Racism and Transitional Justice` (2020) 14 (3) International Journal of Transitional Justice 415-422

Landman, T, Studying Human Rights. (Routledge 2006). Chapter 4

McInerney-Lankford S, `3. Legal methodologies and human rights research: challenges and opportunities` in B. Andreassen, H. O. Sano and Siobhán McInerney-Lankford (eds) Research Methods in Human Rights: A Handbook (2017)

 

DEADLINE

ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION DUE – COURSEWORK 1 DUE FRIDAY 13th MARCH 2026 AT 12NOON

Week 8

CM & FH

 

Review of Presentations

We will make the presentations available and people will have a chance to review and offer feedback.

 

No Reading Required

 

Week 9

CM

 

Comparative Methods

Review (or write) your first draft of your research proposal and see what you mightamend, especially the methodology and methods sections.

 

Questions

  • What are the purposes of comparative law?
  • What difficulties might one encounter in using a comparative methodology?
  • What additional methodological issues are raised by a comparative approach?

 

Required reading

Mark Tushnet, `The Possibilities of Comparative Constitutional Law` (1999) 108 (6) Yale Law Journal 1225

Gunther Frankenberg, `Critical Comparisons: Re-thinking Comparative Law` (1985) 26 Harvard International Legal Journal 411

Mathias M Siems, `The End of Comparative Law` (2007) 2 J. Comp. L. 133

 

Recommended

Zweigert K and H. Kotz, An Introduction to Comparative Law (3rd Clarendon Press 1998)

Jaakko Husa, A New Introduction to Comparative Law (Bloomsbury Publishing 2015)

Günter Frankenberg, Comparative Law as Critique (Edward Elgar Publishing 2016)

Mathias Siems, Comparative law (Cambridge University Press 2018)

 

Week 10

RO’C

 

Policy Work:

Understanding Parliament and Regional Organisations; Evidence based analysis and consultation response.

 

 

Week 11

FH

 

Research Integrity and Ethics

We open this session by discussing what is meant by research integrity and ethics. While many discussions on ethics focus on questions of handling interviews, we will consider that research integrity and ethics is much broader.

 

As part of the session we will aim to complete the ethics electronic module (so please bring a laptop or tablet computer!).

 

Questions

  • What are the ‘Boston tapes’? Are there medical therapies and practices Universities must eschew? What do you think of the Milgram experiments?
  • Do research ethics only apply when you are doing interviews?
  • Do research ethics only concern your ‘participants’?
  • What do we mean by ‘positionality’?
  • What are the different benefits and risks of being an insider? an outsider?
  • Is research an ‘extractive industry’?

What is ‘research fatigue’?

Is deception permitted in ethical research?

 

Activity – Research Integrity online course:

  1. Login to Blackboard at http://learning.ulster.ac.uk
  2. Select the Courses tab at the top
  3. A Course Search Box is visible on the left hand side of the screen.
  4. Enter “Research Integrity (taught courses)” in the Search Box.
  5. When the search is returned, select the drop down arrow beside the course title and select Enrol.
  6. Once enrolled, the course will be available from the Courses tab when you next login.

 

Required reading

  1. Ulster University Research in Ethics policies and procedures at https://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/our-research/research-integrity
  2. SLSA Statement of Principles of Ethical Research https://www.slsa.ac.uk/index.php/ethics-statement
  3. British Society of Criminology Statement of Ethics https://www.britsoccrim.org/ethics/
  4. ESRC Research Ethics https://esrc.ukri.org/funding/guidance-for-applicants/research-ethics/

Social Research Association https://the-sra.org.uk/SRA/Ethics/Ethics.aspx

Judith Bell, Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-time Researchers (McGraw-Hill Education 2014) Chapter Four, ‘Ethics and Integrity in Research’

George Ulrich, `Research Ethics for Human Rights Researchers` in B. Andreassen, H. O. Sano and Siobhán McInerney-Lankford (eds) Research Methods in Human Rights (Edward Elgar Publishing 2017)

Marie Breen-Smyth, `Interviewing Combatants: Lessons from the Boston College Case` (2019) Contemporary Social Science 1-17

Philipp Schulz, `Recognizing Research Participants’ Fluid Positionalities in (Post-) Conflict Zones` (2020) Qualitative Research 

Lucy Pickering and Helen Kara, `Presenting and Representing Others: Towards an Ethics of Engagement` (2017) 20 (3) International Journal of Social Research Methodology 299-309  https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/137082/1/137082.pdf 

 

Recommended Reading

David Mwambari, `Local Positionality in the Production of Knowledge in Northern Uganda` (2019) 18 International Journal of Qualitative Methods 1609406919864845

Cottrell, S Dissertations and Project Reports: A Step by Step Guide (Macmillan International Higher Education 2014) Chapter 12, ‘Ethical Considerations’

‘Honesty and Research Ethics’ in Nicholas Walliman, Your Research Project: A Step-by-Step Guide for the First-Time Researcher (Sage 2005)

Matt Henn, Mark Weinstein and Nick Foard, A Critical Introduction to Social Research (Sage Publications 2009) Chapter Four

Alan Bryman, Social Research Methods (Oxford University Press 2016)

Suki Ali and Moir Kelly, `Ethics and Social Research` in Clive Seale (ed) Researching Society and Culture (Sage 2018)

Helen Kara, Research Ethics in the Real World: Euro-Western and Indigenous perspectives (Policy Press 2018)

Chandra Lekha Sriram, John C King, Julie A Mertus, Olga Martin-Ortega and Johanna Herman, Surviving Field Research: Working in Violent and Difficult Situations (Routledge 2009)

Daniel Druckman, Doing research: Methods of Inquiry for Conflict Analysis (Sage publications 2005)

Paul Oliver, The Student`s Guide to Research Ethics (McGraw-Hill Education (UK) 2010)

Geraldine Lee-Treweek and Stephanie Linkogle, Danger in the Field: Risk and Ethics in Social Research (Psychology Press 2000)

Martin Tolich, `What can Milgram and Zimbardo Teach Ethics Committees and Qualitative Researchers about Minimizing Harm?` (2014) 10 (2) Research Ethics 86-96

James Connor, Simon Copland and Jill Owen, `The Infantilized Researcher and Research Subject: Ethics, Consent and Risk` (2018) 18 (4) Qualitative Research 400-415

Research Ethics Guidebook http://www.ethicsguidebook.ac.uk/index.html 

 

Week 12

CM & FH

 

Writing

For this  session we will review some more nuts and bolts. We will consider what plagiarism is, the many forms it takes and how to avoid it. This leads to discussions of referencing and we will look at (again) the OSCOLA system of referencing. The final discussion will consider some issues of writing and writing style.

 

Questions

  • What is plagiarism?
  • What is ‘auto-plagiarism’?
  • If you include copious footnotes does this ensure you have not plagiarised?
  • What are the benefits and disadvantages of referencing software?
  • How should you present your dissertation?
  • How are dissertations structured?
  • Do you know how to use the ‘heading’ function in Word?
  • What is meant by ‘signposting’?
  • How important are titles? How about titles of chapters and sections?
  • What is the difference between the active voice and the passive voice?
  • What does it mean to change a verb into a noun? Should you do this?

Required Reading:

OSCOLA 4th Edition at https://www.law.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxlaw/oscola_4th_edn_hart_2012.pdf

OSCOLA – International Law section https://www.law.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxlaw/oscola_2006_citing_international_law.pdf

Cottrell, S Dissertations and Project Reports: A Step by Step Guide (Macmillan International Higher Education 2014) Chapters 22-24

Rowena Murray, How to Write a Thesis (McGraw-Hill Education 2017) Chapter 3

Helen Sword, Stylish Academic Writing (Harvard University Press 2012) Chapter 6

Nicholas Walliman, Your Research Project: A Step-by-Step Guide for the First-Time Researcher (Sage 2005) ‘Preparing the Research Proposal and Starting to Write’

Patrick Dunleavy `How to write paragraphs in research texts (articles, books and PhDs)` [2017] Writing for Research 17 July 2017

Ben Durant `Why do academics and PhDers carefully choose useless titles for articles and chapters?` [2014] Writing for Research 31 January 2014

 

Recommended Reading

Judith Bell, Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-time Researchers (McGraw-Hill Education 2014) Chapter 15

Rowena Murray, How to Write a Thesis (McGraw-Hill Education  2011)

George Orwell, `Politics and the English Language` in Orwell (ed.) In Front of Your Nose (Harcour 1968 / 1946)

Mark Tredinnick, Writing Well: the Essential Guide (Cambridge University Press 2008)

Helen Sword, Stylish Academic Writing (Harvard University Press 2012)

Steven Pinker, The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person`s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century! (Penguin Books 2015)

Howard S Becker, Writing for Social scientists: How to Start and Finish your Thesis, Book, or Article (ReadHowYouWant. com 2010)

Peter Elbow, Writing with power: Techniques for Mastering the Writing Process (Oxford University Press 1998)

Matt Henn, Mark Weinstein and Nick Foard, A Critical Introduction to Social Research (Sage Publications 2009) Chapter Nine

Alan Bryman, Social Research Methods (Oxford University Press 2016) ‘Writing Up Social Research’

Rachael Cayley’s Explorations of Style https://explorationsofstyle.com/ 

 

Week 13

Revision Week

 

Week 14-15

Assessment Period

DEADLINE

ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION DUE – COURSEWORK 2 DUE MONDAY 11th MAY 2026 AT 12NOON

7. Student Voice and Support Services

  How we support you

As a course team, we incorporate the key partnership principles set out in the joint UU & Ulster University Students’ Union Student Voice Guidelines and proactively engage with the democratic election of UUSU academic student reps (Faculty Reps, School/Dept Reps & Course Reps) to ensure that student opinion is heard at Ulster. We respect your views and welcome your honest and constructive feedback on the module.  

There are several ways to do this:  

You can contact your Module Coordinator about any queries related to your learning experiences on the module as/when you have them. 

You can voice your opinions through the formal Staff/Student Consultative Committee process by contacting one of the elected UUSU Course Reps in your class.

You will have the opportunity to give feedback on the module through completing the online Student Module Feedback Survey.  

UUSU Advice Bureau Service

If you are experiencing difficulties that are impacting your studies, you can contact the Advice Bureau in the Students’ Union (UUSU). You can get advice and guidance on issues such as – complaints, appeals, housing problems, disciplinaries, and info on various support providers available. To have a chat with the team, contact UUSU online.

UU Student Wellbeing Service

Ulster University’s Student Wellbeing team is here to help you manage a range of common challenges you may face during your studies. These include stress, academic or relationship issues, and financial or budgeting challenges.

The team also provides support for students who require reasonable academic adjustments due to a disability or specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia.

There is no stigma in seeking help. Accessing the right support can make a real difference to your wellbeing and academic success at Ulster University.

UU Student Success Centre

Ulster University’s Student Success team has developed a series of academic and study skills training resources and workshops to help you succeed educationally and develop personally and professionally. You can access these resources via the Student Success website or you can contact the team directly via email.