COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is composed of two parts (Research Methodology part and Research paper writing part). On first part of this course aims to introduce students to fundamental theories of knowledge, research paradigms and research methodology. The course builds on the basic research methodology skills and tools to prepare law students to conduct legal research in an interdisciplinary context which will eventually result into quality research paper.
In this course, students are exposed to legal research methodology and methods and the logic behind each methodology and method in specified research. The course also introduces the proper use of reference for lawyers, finding and using research materials from different sources, the implication of ‘information society’, using of electronic research materials in law, correct citation of legal materials and avoidance of plagiarism. The course also guides on proper conceptualization of research title and research problem, formulating strategies and tackling research problems, planning and organizing written work.
While on the second part of this course requires a student to develop an individual research paper on an approved topic which will be carried out under supervision of an assigned instructor. The course will be assessed from the quality of student’s final product of research i.e Research Paper. Some times, if mandated by the nature of student research paper and opinion of student supervisor, a student is required to defend his/her research paper before a panel of academic staff.
For students to write a research paper, must have accomplished the research methodology part which is designed to equip students with overall principles of legal writing and theories of knowledge as well as research techniques such as library research aids tools and the use of electronic database in preparing, restoring and retrieving information pertaining to the research
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The course is expected to:
- Expose
students to the fundamental theories of knowledge, research paradigms and
research methodology.
- Equip
students with research skills for accessing knowledge, restore information and
retrieve information for the use in research
- Equip
students with knowledge of the principles of citation and rule against
plagiarism
- Impart
students with the knowledge on the methodology, skills and tools that will enable students comprehend the
intricacies of conducting research on pertinent matters and issues relating to
the operation of legal processes and the social, cultural, historical and
economic context in which law operates and is perceived in society.
- Equip you
with the basic research methodology skills and tools to enable them conduct
legal research in an interdisciplinary context and report writing skills.
- Expose
students to the practical side of conducting a legal research after they have
gained a theoretical knowledge in conducting a research in the research
methodology course.
- Ensure that
students are well versed with the proper methods and methodologies in
conducting legal research taught in the research methodology course.
- Ensure that
students are able to apply research skills taught in research methodology
course in preparing a research paper.
COURSE CONTENT
- Theoretical
background
- Statement of problem, Hypotheses,
- Objectives
of the research
- Significances
of the research
- Literature Review
- Research methodology
- Results and
analysis of findings
- Conclusion and Recommendations
COMPULSORY READING MATERIALS
- Allen, George
Richard, The Graduate Students’ Guide to Theses and Dissertations: A Practical
Manual for Writing Research, San Francisco, Jossey Bass, 1973
- Bailey, K.D, Methods
of Social Research, Free Press, London, 1987
- Barzum Graff, The
Modern Researcher (Revised Edition) Harcourt Brace and World Inc. New York,
1970
- Beasley,
David How to Use the Research Library, Oxford University Press, 1988
OPTIONAL READING MATERIALS
- Blackstrom,
C.H. and Hursh Survey Research Northwestern University Press, Minneapolis, 1962
- Block, G. Effective
Legal Writing - A Style Book for Law Students and Lawyers, The Foundation
Press, New York, 1988
- Boruch R and Cecil
J. (Eds) Solutions to Ethical and Legal Problems in Social Research, Academic
Press, London, 1983