LW3PRO: Writing Credit Pro Bono

Module Provider:

School of Law

Number of credits:

20 [10 ECTS credits]

Level:

H (Honours)

Terms in which taught:

Module Convenor:

RE Horton

Pre-requisites:

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

LW3DUG or LW3WC3 or LW3ILM or

Module version for:

2007/8

Aims:
The module provides a formal setting for students who chose to undertake voluntary work in an approved pro bono organisation. It allows students to develop their practical legal skills. It also allows the Law School to evaluate the contribution the student has made to the organisation concerned.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module it is expected that students will have:
• developed research skills in the work done for the organisation concerned as evidenced by their ability to apply the research to specific problems or issues with identifiable outcomes
• demonstrated how they are able to use their legal knowledge and practical skills in a range of activities
• provided regular practical assistance to the organisation concerned over a period of at least 6 months

Additional outcomes:
The module aims to facilitate the development of team working and oral communication skills. Students will develop an awareness of the role of the organisation concerned in the context of the legal system.

Outline content:
Not applicable

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
In the Summer term prior to the final year:
• The student should discuss with the Module Convenor the organisation in which he or she wants to work, and provide the Module Convenor with details of what he or she proposes to undertake as the pro bono project.
• The organisation concerned must confirm that there are opportunities for the student to be involved in pro bono work over the next 6-9 months, and that it will provide a short report on the training and/or work undertaken by the student.
• The Module Convenor must give approval for the pro bono activity planned, and its suitability for Pro BonoWriting Credit.
• The Module Convenor will discuss and agree with the student the level of commitment to the organisation required by the student.
• A Supervisor in the School of Law will be agreed, who may be someone other than the Module Convenor.

Throughout the next 6-9 months (depending on when the pro bono activity starts) the student will:
• Keep a reflective diary of the training and work done for the organisation concerned, and provide the Supervisor with written interim reports on this in November and January of the final year.
• Prepare and write a portfolio in accordance with the Pro Bono Writing Credit Handbook issued to all students undertaking this module.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
• A portfolio formatted in accordance with the Assessed Work rules to be found in the current edition of the School Guide (Programme Assessment). The content and length of the portfolio as specified in the Pro Bono Writing Credit Handbook.
• The portfolio to be submitted by noon on the first Thursday of the Summer term in the final year.

Examinations: Not applicable

Requirements for a pass: 40%

Reassessment arrangements: Resubmission of the portfolio. See School Guide (Programme Assessment).