LAWS5023

Socio-Legal Research Theory and Practice

10 Units 5000 Level Course

Not available in 2014

Previously offered in 2006, 2004

LAW courses are only available to students enrolled in Bachelor of Laws (LAWS) degree programs.

This course is intended to provide students with a critical understanding of the theory and practice of socio-legal research. This will involve an examination of the theoretical underpinnings of socio-legal research, as well as the major methods including both quantitative and qualitative techniques used in socio-legal research. Students will critically examine a range of socio-legal research projects, their methods, findings and implications. They will also develop a critical and reflexive understanding of socio-legal knowledge, the research process, methodology, and research ethics.

This LAWS5000 level elective course is offered on a rotating basis and subject to student demand.

Objectives On successful completion of this course students will have:
1. Developed a critical understanding of the relationship between social theory and socio-legal research.
2. Acquired a theoretical and practical understanding of a range of research techniques employed in socio-legal research, including quantitative and qualitative research methods.
3. Developed the skills to be able to critically apply existing legal research methods and knowledge into other fields, including socio-legal and policy research.
4. A critical knowledge of a broad range of socio-legal research projects.
5. A critical understanding of the ethical implications and considerations of socio-legal research theory and practice.
Content * Theoretical foundations of socio-legal research
* The relationship between socio-legal research and legal research
* The relationship between socio-legal research and legal policy research
* Theory of quantitative socio-legal research
* Quantitative socio-legal research methods
* Theory of qualitative socio-legal research
* Qualitative socio-legal research methods
* Research ethics
* Case studies of socio-legal research projects
Replacing Course(s) Not Applicable
Transition Not Applicable
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge LAWS1001A, LAWS1001B, LAWS1002A, LAWS1002B, LAWS2003A, LAWS2003B, LAWS3004A, LAWS3004B
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Tutorial
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments Essay
Group/tutorial participation and contribution
Other: (please specify) Quantitative Lab participation and attendance.
Reports Literature review, research proposal, field report and research paper.
Contact Hours Seminar: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Compulsory Components
Requisite by Enrolment This course is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws and associated combined degree programs.