This non-contributory module provides a practical introduction to academic research conferences in the context of the annual Kent Graduate Student Law Conference. Students will be the organisational committee, and their tasks include selecting the conference theme and subject streams, choosing and inviting keynote speakers, budgeting, marketing and managing the event.
Contact Hours: 10
Private Study Hours: 10
Total Study Hours: 20
LLM in (Specialisation) – Optional and non-contributory
Main assessment methods
The module prepares students for the annual Kent Graduate Student Conference that runs in the summer term (between weeks 28 and 30). Students will be deemed to have passed this module if they successfully complete the different agreed-upon tasks leading up to the conference (e.g., deciding themes, drafting calls for papers, drafting keynote invitations, advertising and marketing, communicating with internal university services and staff, communicating externally with academics and participants, logistical and administrative duties, budgeting and treasury duties, and practical organisational duties on the day of the conference).
The module will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. Students will submit a portfolio of their task to be submitted after the organisation of the conference.
Portfolio – approx. 1,000 words (inc. evidence of preparatory activities) - (100%) – pass/fail
Reassessment methods
Given its format, the module cannot be repeated, or re-sat in the standard University re-assessment period. In the event that a student fails the module, it will be removed from their transcript, and therefore no penalty will be incurred for non-completion.
• Ireland, P., Grigg-Spall, I., (eds) "The Critical Lawyer's Handbook" (Pluto Press, 1992)
• Mansell, W. et al, "A Critical Introduction to Law" (Routledge, 2015)
• Collini, S., “What are Universities For?” (Penguin, 2012)
• Douzinas, C., “A Short History of the British Critical Legal Conference or, the Responsibility of the Critic” Law and Critique (2014) Vol. 25, No. 2, pp 187-198
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles underlying academic conferences, and in particular critical law conferences
2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the preparatory work required in the lead up to academic conferences
3. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the practice, techniques and structure of the academic conference
4. Identify the links between academic work undertaken in the course of the law degree and the topics of research relevant to critical law conferences
5. Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the practical purposes and benefits of academic networking
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate professional communication and organisational skills
2. Participate in networking activity
3. Apply the transferrable practices and techniques required for the successful running of a professional conference
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.