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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Legal Skills and Concepts (Online LLB)
Reference LL2322 Version 3
Created January 2022 SCQF Level SCQF 9
Approved May 2017 SCQF Points 15
Amended January 2022 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
1. To develop understanding of, and the ability to apply, practical legal skills in areas such as communication, negotiation, client interviewing and counselling, and dispute resolution.
2. To deepen student knowledge and appreciation of the nature of law and of key legal concepts, such as rights and justice, and their operation in practice.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Apply key document drafting skills pertinent to legal practice.
2 Explain, and demonstrate a critical understanding of, the nature of law and of legal concepts including legal obligation, rights, and justice.
3 Demonstrate a practical knowledge of sound client interviewing and negotiating techniques.
4 Appraise the range of dispute resolution methods available.

Indicative Module Content
One part of the module will develop key practical transferrable skills required in the workplace such as drafting, client interviewing and counselling, negotiation, and the selection of appropriate dispute resolution alternatives. The other part of the module will explore major legal concepts such as legal obligation, rights, and the idea of justice.

Module Delivery
This is a lecture and tutorial based module. Lectures provide core module content. Tutorials develop associated higher level skills through student centred learning. In addition, online activities will form part of the module contact time.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 36 36
Non-Contact Hours 114 114
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 150
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 60% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3
Description: Written coursework worth 60% of the overall module grade.
Component 2
Type: Coursework Weighting: 40% Outcomes Assessed: 3, 4
Description: Written coursework worth 40% of the overall module grade.
Component 3
Type: Coursework Weighting: 0% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4
Description: Compliance on a pass/fail basis with the requirement to participate in online forum and tutorial activities.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The first grade represents Component 1 (coursework) weighted at major (60%) and the second, Component 2 (coursework), weighted at minor (40%). Component 3 is pass/fail competencies. Component 3 is a participation requirement with each student required to attend to such activities as are required on the module. Non-submission of either component 1 or 2 or non-completion of the pass/fail competencies will result in an NS grade. An overall minimum grade D is required to pass the module. Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade: Major: Minor: Competency: C1: C2: C3
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A A:A:Pass or A:B:Pass
B A:C:Pass or A:D:Pass or B:A:Pass or B:B:Pass or B:C:Pass or C:A:Pass
C A:E:Pass or B:D:Pass or B:E:Pass or C:B:Pass or C:C:Pass or C:D:Pass or D:A:Pass or D:B:Pass or E:A:Pass
D C:E:Pass or D:C:Pass or D:D:Pass or D:E:Pass or E:B:Pass or E:C:Pass
E A:F:Pass or B:F:Pass or C:F:Pass or D:F:Pass or E:D:Pass or E:E:Pass or E:F:Pass or F:A:Pass or F:B:Pass or F:C:Pass or F:D:Pass
F F:E:Pass or F:F:Pass
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module None.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 BROWN, H.J., 2011. ADR principles and practice. 3rd ed. London: Sweet and Maxwell.
2 BOYLE, F., and CAPPS, D., 2020 A Practical Guide to Lawyering Skills. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
3 FINCH, E., and FAFINSKI, S., 2014. Employability skills for law students. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
4 LEWICKI, R., et al., 2010. Essentials of negotiation. 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
5 MALCOLM, E.A., 2009. A guide to mediating in Scotland. Dundee: Dundee University Press.
6 TODD, A. and SIM, I., 2016. Commercial awareness for lawyers. Edinburgh: W Green.
7 WACKS, R., 2015. Understanding jurisprudence. 4th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press
8 HIGGINS, E. and TATHAM,L., 2011. Successful Legal Writing 2nd ed. London: Sweet and Maxwell


Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781