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LWMHSP-Sourcing the Past

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10ECTS credits]
Level: 7
Terms in which taught: Spring
Module Convenor: Professor R Auchmuty
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2009/0

Email: R.Auchmuty@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
This module aims to develop and enhance students’ ability critically to evaluate and analyse legal historical sources and the methodological issues which arise in using them. It aims to further develop their understanding of how the creation, availability and form of sources shapes our understanding of legal history and the outcomes of legal historical research.

Assessable learning outcomes:
After completing the module, students will:

  • be able to analyse and critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of three types of legal historical source;
  • be able to analyse and critically evaluate the methodological implications which arise from the use of the sources and how they shape the outcomes of research;
  • be able to synthesise wide-ranging material and to articulate arguments effectively and clearly in writing an assessed essay;
  • develop their knowledge and understanding of an area of legal history in which they are interested.

    Additional outcomes:
    This module will also encourage the development of independent learning, as well as communication skills and personal responsibility.

    Outline content:
    Students will research and write a 12 page essay considering the strengths and weaknesses of three types of source which they are using in research for their dissertation, the methodological implications arising from the use of such sources, and how they shape our understanding of the past.

    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    Teaching and learning is primarily in the form of regular supervision, supplemented by classes according to student interest and staff availability.

    Contact hours:

      Autumn Spring Summer
    Lectures
    Tutorials/seminars      
    Practicals      
    Other contact (eg study visits)   2   
    Total hours   2   
    Number of essays or assignments   1   
    Other (eg major seminar paper)      

    Assessment:
    Coursework
    12 page essay (formulated in accordance with the School of Law’s Assessed Work Rules) on three types of source which they are using in the dissertation.

    Relative percentage of coursework: 100%.

    Examinations None.

    Requirements for a pass: 50% overall.

    Reassessment arrangements: As for the original assessment, but a mark in a passed element can be carried forward.

    Last updated: 9 December 2009

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