Writing an LLM dissertation or thesis Key issues

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Writing an LLM dissertation or thesis Key issues Faculty Website “English Legal Methods”

Writing an LLM dissertation or thesis Key issues Faculty Website “English Legal Methods”

Summary �The project �Developing the topic �Research design �Making it workable �The criteria for

Summary �The project �Developing the topic �Research design �Making it workable �The criteria for success

Developing the research question �Early phase: Reading broadly on your topic �To know the

Developing the research question �Early phase: Reading broadly on your topic �To know the context of your specific area �To know what has been written about the topic �To develop a long-list bibliography (rapid reading) �Narrowing the focus �Is there one problem or issue on which you think you can develop ideas? (the research question) �Can that problem be handled within the word limit and time available?

Defining the interest and selecting topic �You have already done this with your title

Defining the interest and selecting topic �You have already done this with your title �Why is the field interesting? �doctrinal confusion �scholarly disputes �new policy issues or relevance �social and economic change �comparative interest �You have a topic area

A researchable problem �Within your interest and topic, what is a problem? A precise

A researchable problem �Within your interest and topic, what is a problem? A precise focus �Gaps in knowledge � Re-examine an old topic in a new way � What is your personal strength: compare a specific country, adopt a different method? � Re-examine an old topic in the light of new developments �Hypothesis to be tested �Locate within what is currently known

Empirical research �What is empirical? �Quantitative (statistics, etc. ) �Qualitative (interviews, opinions) �How do

Empirical research �What is empirical? �Quantitative (statistics, etc. ) �Qualitative (interviews, opinions) �How do I use empirical methods? �Evaluating what others have written �Generating my own data �Do I need training? �Social Science Research Methods Training Centre (http: //www. ssrmc. group. cam. ac. uk/index. html)

Planning your work �Draw up a project outline and timetable �Objectives: what are you

Planning your work �Draw up a project outline and timetable �Objectives: what are you trying to do? �Methods: what type of research? �What do I need to do and by when? (project plan)

Making it workable �Bibliography: �Reduce to a short list of essential reading and possible

Making it workable �Bibliography: �Reduce to a short list of essential reading and possible reading �Decide on your referencing system early �Writing �Do not leave writing to the end. Produce notes on sections as you do them (even bullet points) �Write for yourself �Manage your supervisor’s time: when to consult and ask for advice �Build in time for the final preparation & copying �KEEP BACKUPS IN DIFFERENT PLACES!!

Keeping on track �Have a timetable NOW �Which hours in each week will I

Keeping on track �Have a timetable NOW �Which hours in each week will I spend on this? �Which bits of bibliography reading is scheduled in each week, e. g. something between lectures?

Mechanics of writing �Start with the descriptive element (Part 2) �Overview of legislation, cases,

Mechanics of writing �Start with the descriptive element (Part 2) �Overview of legislation, cases, scholarship �What is the current state of debate �What are my views on the debates? (Part 3) �What is the picture I see emerging? �Let my picture help give structure to the descriptive element (Part 2) �How do I now explain my topic and my argument? (Conclusion & Part 1: Introduction? )

Final product: structure Introduction: 1. 1. 2. 3. 4. Clear statement of the topic

Final product: structure Introduction: 1. 1. 2. 3. 4. Clear statement of the topic and why it is of interest Set out the hypothesis you seek to test/prove & summary of main argument Clear statement of the structure of the discussion: what can the reader expect next? In longer work (thesis), then use of headings Clear explanation of issues discussed & summaries Conclusion: a summary of key points and possibly a prospective look at the implications

Possible structures �Refute established opinion �Understanding already in the literature or case law �Evidence

Possible structures �Refute established opinion �Understanding already in the literature or case law �Evidence to the contrary �New understanding �Solving a problem �Statement of Problem �Possible solutions �Evaluation of possible solutions �Conclusion

Final product: content � You cannot be comprehensive so: � explain the limits within

Final product: content � You cannot be comprehensive so: � explain the limits within which work � principles of selection of material � What can I take for granted? � who is the reader? : a moderately well informed lawyer not necessarily an expert � What must I demonstrate? � Reading beyond the textbooks � Where does your argument fit into debates in literature? � Clear and justified conclusions � are you criticising, supporting arguments that others have made? � Evidence: what is persuasive supporting evidence for your position? Cf. what kind of evidence do others use.

Plagiarism �What is it? �Unattributed use of significant ideas or amount of text written

Plagiarism �What is it? �Unattributed use of significant ideas or amount of text written by others �Faculty’s Plagiarism guidance on “Official Documents” �Most is unintentional: “I cannot remember where I got this good idea” � Need good record keeping � Put in footnotes as you write.

Criteria for judging success �Structure · Well-organised and structured; · Succinctly and cogently presented

Criteria for judging success �Structure · Well-organised and structured; · Succinctly and cogently presented · Good use of English �Content · Generally accurate and well-informed; · Reasonably comprehensive (relative to the topic) · Providing evidence of reading beyond textbooks

Criteria 2 �Analysis · Demonstrating a sound grasp of basic principles; · Demonstrating a

Criteria 2 �Analysis · Demonstrating a sound grasp of basic principles; · Demonstrating a good understanding of the relevant details; · Displaying some evidence of insight; · Evaluation of material, though such evaluation may be derivative

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