Communication for Law module (LW50118)

​​This module develops your ability to use legal English effectively in academic contexts. It focuses on the relationship between reading and writing, helping you understand how meaning is conveyed in legal texts and how to produce legal academic writing of the standard required by Dundee Law School. 

​You'll build awareness of the language features, conventions, and terminology of legal English, and develop skills in critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of legal texts. The module also covers note-taking strategies, appropriate methods of reference and citation, and how to communicate complex ideas to different audiences clearly in both writing and speech. 

​Classes are conducted as group seminars which involve high levels of interaction and skills practice.  

​What you will learn 

​In this module, you will: 

• ​Recognise the language features, conventions, and terminology of legal English 
• ​Produce legal academic texts 
• ​Develop a clear and systematic line of argument and support it effectively with evidence 
• ​Apply critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis to legal texts 
• ​Communicate complex ideas clearly in both writing and speech 

​By the end of this module, you will be able to: 

• ​Identify limitations in arguments  
• ​Use language effectively for a variety of purposes 
• ​Critically analyse a range of legal issues  
• ​Feel more confident in public speaking and presentations   
• ​Communicate complex ideas clearly, in writing and speech, for a range of audiences​

Assignments / assessments

• Essay 1,500 words (40%) 
• Presentation (40%) 
• Use of Sources Quiz (10%) 
• Feedback Assignment (10%) 

This module does not have a final exam

Teaching methods / timetable

• Seminars 
• Small group seminars enable skills practice and development 

Weekly seminars take place around a given topic. Seminars may involve you completing some preparatory work before the seminar, such as a reading or watching an online lecture.