Introductory description

The dramatized dissertation will provide an opportunity for in-depth research, sophisticated writing and multi-media presentation, with the possibility of high-level group work depending upon the level of uptake within connected subject areas. Where appropriate, candidates will be encouraged to work in groups to produce different parts (“Acts”) within longer dramatic works. Candidates will be assessed on their individual parts (“Acts”).

What is expected of me?
The full module Dramatized Dissertation will have a maximum word limit of 12,000 words (comprising 2,000 word reflective prologue and 10,000 dramatic script) and will be totally assessed.

Marks are allocated in two blocks of 25% and 75% respectively. The first 25% is allocated to original research into the law and its context as revealed by a (maximum 2,000 word) “reflective prologue”. The second 75% is allocated to accuracy and ingenuity in handling the law and related issues in the context of the dramatic script (maximum 10,000 words) including such aspects as the form and style of the writing and the extent to which the script and performance were effective in communicating relevant law and related issues and effective in presenting the themes identified by the candidate in their reflective prologue.

Appropriate departmental resources will be provided to record a simple audio or audio-visual “readthrough” of the script, which will form part of the 75% submission. A detailed guidance booklet will be supplied to give detailed guidance for candidates on all aspects of the process of working towards submission of their Dramatized Dissertation.

How do I get started?
Any student wanting to apply to undertake a Dramatized Dissertation should indicate his/her interest before the end of the preceding Summer Term by returning a completed application form to module convenor. The application form requires students to obtain the agreement of a member of staff willing to act as main supervisor, and agree on a rough title as the subject for the Dramatized Dissertation, and find a second member of staff willing to act as second supervisor/marker. The application form must be accompanied by a 500 word sample dialogue with a view to ascertaining the student’s threshold competence to submit a Dramatized Dissertation. Please discuss the sample script and ideas in detail with the proposed supervisor before submitting an application.

Acceptance for this module will be confirmed after the Second Year Examination Board has met in July. A student who has elected to do, and has been accepted, on the Dramatized Dissertation programme must comply with a timetable agreed with their supervisor for meetings and for the submission of a preliminary draft and the final version.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Workshop I: Introduction to dissertation writing, research ethics and managing supervision
Workshop II: Legal research
Workshop II: Writing and processing feedback

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main concepts and principles of their area of research
• Plan, structure, and write a dramatic script on a chosen subject
• Reflect critically on their learning
• Develop a clear and critical research question that is explored through the dramatic script;
• Identify and employ a broad range of primary and secondary sources relevant to their topic area

Indicative reading list

The student is expected to identify materials relevant to their research topic.

Legal research specific bibliography includes:

• Lammasniemi L, Law dissertations: a step-by-step guide (Routledge 2018)
• Salter M and Mason J, Writing law dissertations: an introduction and guide to the conduct of legal research (Pearson 2007)
• Knowles J, Effective legal research (2012)

Research element

The student will undertake significant independent research into their chosen topic.

Interdisciplinary

The student will write a dramatic script.

Subject specific skills

By the end of the module the student should be able to identify and employ a broad range of primary and secondary sources relevant to their topic area.

Transferable skills

No transferable skills defined for this module.