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Learning skills drop-in sessions and classes run by the Law Library

Drop-in sessions

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 - 2, Wednesdays 12 - 1, alternate Fridays 12 - 1

Come to the Research and Learning desk in the Law Library at times to be confirmed.

General classes

These will be held on Mondays in Semester 1 2012.  Each session is run twice, usually on the same day. Venue: 12 - 1pm, L4, Law building basement;
1 - 2pm L5, level 2, Law Building.

Wk Date Topic Description

No seminars held over mid-semester break: desk times may be available.

7 16 April, 12.00-1.00 & 1.00-2.00 Building summaries: different styles On the continuum between the original version and your own work, where does a summary lie? The difference between summaries and notes, and how to avoid originality problems with both. Develop your own style.
8 23 April, 12.00-1.00 & 1.00-2.00 Analysing a research essay question and building an argument The basics depend on the lecturer's expectations of an answer - the marking guide gives a good indication. Address the question, show good reading skills, develop an argument, and use the correct academic conventions.
9 30 April, 12.00-1.00 & 1.00-2.00 The writing process How much time to spend on each of the steps involved? How soon should I start writing? How will I know when I've finished researching? How many drafts do I need to write? Not to mention other problems.
10 7 May, 12.00-1.00 & 1.00-2.00 Improving structure and coherence How to make a finished work flow through from background, definition, thesis statement, argument outline, paragraph claims and evidence, to the conclusion. What belongs where, and how to link it all together.
11 14 May, 12.00-1.00 & 1.00-2.00 Writing clearly and concisely Communication matters - your writing has to be precise (or ambiguities arise) and concise (or penalties apply). Your writing also has to use academic written language conventions, which are a specialist area in themselves.
12 21 May, 12.00-1.00 & 1.00-2.00 Preparing for exams Each person has their own way of studying. Get an overview and find out which procedures work for you. There are model answers on Law topics; find some resources.
Swot vac 28 May, 12.00-1.00 & 1.00-2.00 Essay questions in exams & building an argument Essay examination answers need a similar approach to assignment essays. Look for the key words in the question, consider any limits, and develop a well reasoned response clearly and logically answered.

Bookings online via my.monash (search for classes using law as keywords) or phone 990-58657

Postgraduate classes

These will be held on selected Tuesdays and Fridays in Trimester 1 2012, at Monash University Law Chambers. Consultations may also be arranged, see contact details below.

Target audience: First trimester JD

Topic Description Date/time
Study Smarter: Practical Paths to JD Success Find out what is expected of you as a JD student and discover proven strategies for managing your workload and getting the marks you want. This seminar will give you a head start by showing you how to use your time effectively, concentrating on those things which really do make a difference. Tuesday 1 May 1-2 pm;
5:30-6:30 pm
Friday 4 May 12- 1 pm
Legal Reasoning and Law Assessment Tasks Become familiar with the predictable structures of legal assignments (legal problem-solving, argumentative essays, case studies and memos) and develop approaches to planning your writing task. Tuesday 8 May
1-2 pm; 4:30-5:30 pm
Friday 11 May 12-1 pm
Finding your Voice: the Key to Successful Research Papers Find out what an ‘academic voice’ is, and how to establish one; learn to use others’ writing to advance your own argument, not detract from it by overwhelming your own voice. Monday 14 May 5-6 pm
Tuesday 15 May 5-6 pm
Friday 18 May 1-2 pm
Deconstructing a Case Note What is a case note, and how do I write a good one? This session will look at the sample case note provided on the Law Library Guide, and critique its structure, language, and referencing with regard to lecturers' expectations. Monday 21 May 5-6 pm
Tuesday 22 May
5:30 pm-6:30 pm
Finding your Voice: the Key to Successful Research Papers Find out what an ‘academic voice’ is, and how to establish one; learn to use others’ writing to advance your own argument, not detract from it by overwhelming your own voice. Tuesday 29 May
4:30-5:30 pm
Deconstructing a case note What is a case note, and how do I write a good one? This session will look at the sample case note provided on the Law Library Guide, and critique its structure, language, and referencing with regard to lecturers' expectations. Friday 1 June 1-2 pm
Preparing for Exams 1: Start Now Effective planning and preparation are crucial to success in Law exams. This seminar will introduce you to well-documented strategies which boost student performance and lower anxiety. You will learn how to effectively organise your notes and prepare exam-ready summaries for each area of law as you go. Tuesday 19 June 12-1 pm;
5:30-6:30 pm
Friday 22 June 1-2 pm
Preparing for Exams 2: Final Steps In the lead-up to your exam you need to review your summaries and practice using them. Learn how to map out an answer strategy before you go into the exam, and discover a range of techniques to keep you calm and in control while you are writing it. Tuesday 24 July 1-2 pm;
5:30-6:30 pm
Friday 27 July 1-2 pm

Target audience: LLM and later JD

Topic Description Date/time
Advanced writing seminar. Features of legal writing Find out how to make your writing fit the requirements of good legal style. Tuesday 8 May 10-11 am;
Friday 11 May
10-11 am
Advanced writing seminar. From thesis statement to conclusion Learn writing strategies that will make your argument emerge strongly. Tuesday 5 June 10-11 am; Friday 8 June 10-11 am
Advanced writing seminar. Coherence throughout the research essay Good legal writing organises argument by emphasising logical coherence at paragraph level. This workshop presents some techniques to use. Tuesday 26 June 10-11 am; Friday 29 June
10-11 am
Advanced writing seminar. Effectively integrating sources By using the five different types of legal sources in various ways, from citing through to summarising, you can effectively emphasise your points and respond to counter arguments. Tuesday 10 July 10-11 am; Friday 13 July
10-11 am
Polishing your prose Make your language clear and accurate, and learn what to check for in the final stages of preparing your assignment for submission. Tuesdays: 10-11 am; 29 May; 12 June; 3 July; 17 July


Bookings:
You can check when and where these sessions are scheduled and book your place online via my.monash booking system. Search for a specific session using the session title as a keyword or law and postgraduate as keywords to see all sessions.

For further information about learning skills classes at the Law Library, to arrange additional classes, or to arrange a consultation, please contact:

  • Patricia Hughes Monday to Thursday - Law Library, Clayton. Friday - Law Chambers, City.
  • Claire Kaylock Tuesday and Friday - Law Chambers and Law Library.

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