This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This non-contributory module provides a practical introduction to academic research conferences in the context of the annual Kent Student Critical Law Conference. Students will participate in one of two ways: either as part of the organisational committee, or as a panellist at the conference. The organisational route will include practical organisational preparation of the conference, including the selection of the conference theme and subject streams, choosing and inviting keynote speakers, budgeting, marketing and managing the event. The presentation route entails the preparation, submission and presentation of a conference paper alongside other student panellists. Applications to the course will be made to the module convenor (it will not be available as part of online module registration).
Contact Hours: 40
Private Study Hours: 20
Total Study Hours: 60
All single and joint honours law programmes
Main assessment methods
The module prepares students for the annual Kent Critical Student Law Conference that runs in week 21 of the academic year. Students will be deemed to have passed this module if they successfully complete one of a choice of two routes. Students choosing the Organisational Route will be responsible for various 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). Students choosing the Participatory Route will select a topic relevant to the theme of the conference, draft an abstract and submit this for consideration and ultimately acceptance by the conference committee, drafting a conference paper and presenting the paper on the day of the conference, responding to questions and participating in discussion during their assigned panel.
The module will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. Each of the following routes and components will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. Students can choose their preferred route
• Organisational Route:
o Portfolio – approx. 3,000 words (100%), or
• Participatory Route:
o Conference abstract and conference paper – 2,500 words (50%)
o Presentation and Participation at the Conference – 15 minutes approx. (50%).
In order to achieve the module learning outcomes fully, students must pass both elements in the Participatory Route to pass the module overall.
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
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the general principles underlying academic conferences, and in particular critical law
conferences
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the preparatory work required in the lead up to academic conferences (either
organisational preparation or academic preparation)
3. Demonstrate 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 knowledge and understanding 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 a networking activity
3. Apply the transferrable practices and techniques required for the successful running of a professional conference
4. Work and communicate effectively in a group setting
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