Unit rationale, description and aim
This unit allows Laws Honours degree students to undertake to write a thesis of 12,000 words (inclusive of footnotes) with a significant component of research. The Unit is delivered on an individual student basis in coordination with a supervisor who supports, advises, monitors the progress of, and confirms the thesis is ready for examination. Students will meet regularly with supervisors to develop and support a timely completion. The timeline to completion includes significant research, writing, and editing, and should include at least one full draft submitted to the supervisor for feedback prior to formal submission for examination. The aim of this unit is to develop a capacity to conduct independent and self-directed research in a specific and chosen area of law, which is evidenced in the writing of the completed thesis.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Effectively communicate a knowledge and applicatio...
Learning Outcome 01
Demonstrate a capacity to conduct independent, sel...
Learning Outcome 02
Develop advanced conceptual and critical analysis ...
Learning Outcome 03
Communicate a capacity for critical identification...
Learning Outcome 04
Complete, to a high standard, a thesis with a sign...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will be specified on an individual-basis between students and supervisors, but should include:
- Choosing a title for your thesis;
- Developing a timeline for completion with defined dates for drafts, feedback, and edits;
- Locating and evaluating relevant legal material for thesis research;
- Writing a legal thesis, including the ability to formulate a thesis; to frame a discussion or argument; and to critically self-evaluate, edit, and revise writing.
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment in this Unit is designed to enable students to demonstrate a high level of analytical, research, presentation and writing skills. In order to pass this unit, you are required to submit your Honours thesis, with approval from your supervisor, and achieve an overall score of 50 per cent. Every Honours thesis will be examined by two examiners appointed by the National Head of School or nominee. This may include one internal and one external examiner and will exclude your supervisor. Each examiner will be requested to provide a grade and numerical mark for the Honours Thesis.
Overview of assessments
Honours Thesis
Honours Thesis
100%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Mode: On an individual student basis in coordination with each supervisor.
Duration: 12 week semester. You should anticipate undertaking 450 hours of study for this unit, including research, reading, writing, editing and supervision.
This level four unit allows students to develop advanced research and writing skills. Students will complete a 12,000 word thesis.
The unit takes a multimodal learning approach to provide accessibility and flexibility to our students and a student-focused approach that increases depth of learning and engagement through actively utilizing the materials provided via Canvas and in coordination with the supervisors.