Leader: The Director or Convenor, Higher Degree by Research

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (On-campus block of classes)
Clayton Second semester 2008 (On-campus block of classes)

Synopsis

The seminar will introduce students to advanced legal research techniques, empirical research, ethics in research, useful computer software, legal writing, legal publishing and contemporary theoretical approaches to law (philosophical, sociological , critical, feminist and economic). Students will be required to submit a 3000 word paper on a topic relevant to their proposed research. The seminar will also provide a forum in which students can interact in a semi-structured environment in order to test their research ideas, while contributing to the development and improvement of one another's research projects. Students will be required to present their research proposal for discussion.

Objectives

To provide students with the intellectual and methodological skills they will need to plan, research, write and publish their thesis. In particular, to assist students in:

1. preparing feasible research plans, which addresses research aims, assumptions, methods and possible findings;
2. thinking carefully, broadly and creatively about the best way to invesigate and answer their research questions;
3. enhancing their understanding of significant issues in current legal theory and awareness of theoretical approaches relevant to their research; and
4. developing a friendly peer support network for the remainder of their candidature.

Assessment

Participation in the seminar program: 20% plus 3000 word essay: 40% plus presentation of research proposal: 40%

Contact hours

The SJD seminar will be taught intensively in one or two blocks of time during the year. Students will be required to attend most of the sessions.