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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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