LLH402 Legal Research Project


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:LLH402
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:completion of 144 credit points
Assumed Knowledge:

Where possible, students should have ideally completed all other core units before undertaking capstone units LLH402 and LLH403.

Anti-requisite:LLH401 Legal Research Capstone
Coordinator:Elizabeth Streten | elizabeth.streten@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This capstone unit will consolidate your legal knowledge, research skills and transferable communication skills to prepare you for the transition from university to professional work. You will choose your own research question that engages with one of three themes on technology, sustainability or Indigenous Australian perspectives on law. These are themes that have been embedded throughout your law degree. You will first apply your written communication skills through a research proposal. Feedback from this task will hone your skills for writing an academic research article that may form the foundation for future submission to a law journal. This unit provides you with the skills necessary for LLH403 Legal Industry Capstone Project. The transferable skills you gain from managing a research project and conveying your ideas in writing are valuable for career-ready graduates.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Critically evaluate a specialised area of law to make an original contribution to the body of knowledge (CLOs 1.1, 1.5, 2.1, 2.3)
  2. Plan, develop and complete a research project using suitable research design, research methods and digital literacy skills (CLOs 3.1, 3.2, 3.3)
  3. Communicate your research in written forms in diverse contexts (CLOs 4.1)

Content

This unit consolidates and builds on knowledge and skills that you have developed throughout the degree and specifically focusses on: 

  • planning, designing and managing an independent research project and research question that draws on one of three themes that have been embedded throughout your law degree: Indigenous Australian perspectives on law; the impact of technology on law; or the role of law in achieving sustainable futures; 
  • demonstrating advanced critical thinking, legal reasoning, methodologies, arguments, and conclusions; and 
  • constructing and delivering effective written communication.  

Learning Approaches

As a capstone, this unit demands high levels of student initiative, effective self-management, independence and higher order thinking and application. The unit employs a blended and collaborative approach to learning, using a variety of rich multimedia technologies to consolidate your skills in complex legal research. It involves self-led learning practice and live tutorials where you will learn from experts and your peers and practice your skills. You will be supported and engaged in this unit through a delivery of snapshots of unit material, formative learning activities and collaborative discussions that will introduce a range of practical and theoretical perspectives. 

Your learning and engagement in this unit will include: 

  • Independent engagement with online materials, including recordings and readings to assist with your understanding of substantive content and key concepts;  
  • Interactive tutorials for you to engage in learning activities designed to enhance your application of research knowledge and skills; 
  • Online Q&A sessions and a discussion board to allow you to check your understanding of key concepts and receive input and feedback from your peers and the teaching team. 

The first assessment item (Research Proposal) is designed to build skills and provide feedback for the second assessment item (Research Article). 

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will gain feedback in this unit by participating in: 

  • skills development discussions and peer review feedback on your work in live tutorials;
  • individual feedback provided on each Assessment Task;  
  • generic feedback posted on the unit’s Canvas site for each Assessment Task; 
  • drop-in support sessions offered throughout semester; and 
  • the option of consultation with a member of the teaching team. 

Assessment

Overview

To access the Law Faculty Assessment Information, see the Canvas site for this unit.  

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Research Proposal

Acting as a legal researcher you will prepare a Research Proposal for your Academic Research Article (Assessment Task 2). The Research Proposal sets out your research design, defends its contribution to knowledge and demonstrates your literature review. 

Formal feedback from teaching staff on the Research Proposal will inform Assessment Task 2.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 40
Length: 2000 word research proposal
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 7
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3

Assessment: Research Article

Acting as a legal researcher, you will plan and manage a research project and write an academic-style research article that may form the foundation for future submission to a law journal. 

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 60
Length: 3000
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource materials are provided in the unit Canvas site. 

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no unusual risks in this unit. 

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

LW38 Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

  1. The essential principles and doctrines of Australian law and the Australian legal system
    Relates to: ULO1, Research Proposal , Research Article
  2. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ perspectives on law and the legal system
    Relates to: ULO1
  3. The impact of technology on key areas of law and legal work
    Relates to: ULO1
  4. The role of law in achieving sustainable futures
    Relates to: ULO1
  5. The application, operation and evolution of law in diverse, changing and global contexts
    Relates to: ULO1, Research Proposal , Research Article
  6. Using legal reasoning and critical thinking in applying law to legal problems and providing legal advice
    Relates to: ULO1, Research Proposal , Research Article
  7. Applying critical perspectives, including theoretical, cultural and social perspectives, to evaluate law and policy
    Relates to: ULO1, Research Proposal , Research Article
  8. Selecting and using contemporary technologies to effectively search, organise and use information
    Relates to: ULO2, Research Proposal , Research Article
  9. Selecting and applying appropriate research methods
    Relates to: ULO2, Research Proposal , Research Article
  10. Planning and executing a research project and presenting findings and recommendations
    Relates to: ULO2, Research Proposal , Research Article
  11. Knowing and using academic and legal writing conventions and communicating clearly, concisely and persuasively in written forms
    Relates to: ULO3, Research Proposal , Research Article
  12. Using effective oral, visual or other professional communication in diverse contexts
    Relates to: ULO3, Research Proposal , Research Article

LW39 Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (Graduate Entry)

  1. The essential principles and doctrines of Australian law and the Australian legal system
    Relates to: ULO1, Research Proposal , Research Article
  2. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ perspectives on law and the legal system
    Relates to: ULO1, Research Proposal , Research Article
  3. The impact of technology on key areas of law and legal work
    Relates to: ULO1, Research Proposal , Research Article
  4. The role of law in achieving sustainable futures 
    Relates to: ULO1, Research Proposal , Research Article
  5. The application, operation and evolution of law in diverse, changing and global contexts
    Relates to: ULO1, Research Proposal , Research Article
  6. Using legal reasoning and critical thinking in applying the law to legal problems and providing legal advice
    Relates to: ULO2, Research Proposal , Research Article
  7. Applying critical perspectives, including theoretical, cultural and social perspectives, to evaluate law and policy
    Relates to: ULO2, Research Proposal , Research Article
  8. Selecting and using contemporary technologies to effectively search, organise and use information
    Relates to: ULO2, Research Proposal , Research Article
  9. Selecting and applying appropriate research methods
    Relates to: ULO2, Research Proposal , Research Article
  10. Planning and executing a research project and presenting findings and recommendations
    Relates to: ULO2, Research Proposal , Research Article
  11. Knowing and using academic and legal writing conventions and communicating clearly, concisely and persuasively in written forms
    Relates to: ULO3, Research Proposal , Research Article
  12. Using effective oral, visual and other professional communication in diverse contexts
    Relates to: ULO3, Research Proposal , Research Article