Lectures

In all of the core modules and most of the optional modules you will receive a series of lectures. The principal purpose of lectures is to enable students to see the broad framework of the subject, to communicate the content of the law as it stands at that point in time and to provide an insight into the values which underpin the subjects covered. Some lectures may also be devoted to teaching and developing the skills and techniques which are required in order to respond to essay and problem type questions. Students are expected to be able to respond to occasional questions posed during the lecture.

Seminars

Seminars are common to all modules and are held on a weekly or fortnightly basis. The format of seminars differs widely between modules. They may involve a general discussion directed by the lecturer, group work or even individual presentations. All seminars involve detailed consideration of previously distributed questions. A considerable amount of preparation is required for seminars, and the purpose is to deepen the understanding of the law and to inculcate the skills referred to above.

Tuition on use of electronic resources

The Law Library subscribes to a wide variety of electronic legal databases covering case law, legislation, journal articles and indices over a wide range of specialisms and jurisdictions. Examples of these are Lexis, Westlaw, Lawtel , Casetrack ,Celex ,IOLIS and The Electronic Law Reports. The Law Library team develop and lead training programmes on all electronic legal research and database use.

Training in the use of these databases is offered both on a scheduled group and an informal (on request) one- to-one teaching basis. A 'drop in' style Law Library workshop also runs weekly throughout the academic year offering students the chance to put any queries they may have about legal research matters to the Law Library team. In some cases such as with Westlaw, additional training is given by external experts in the use of such databases.

Mooting

 The School coordinates a programme of mooting activities for students which is intended to develop legal skills of analysis and interpretation, but also personal skills of argument and public speaking. Mooting involves two pairs of 'advocates' arguing a fictitious legal appeal case in front of a judge. To support these activities, we have a purpose-built mooting court equipped with state of the art audio/visual recording facilities. Our students have recently successfully competed at national competitions, including those organised by the Inns of Court and the Incorporated Council of Law Reporting. The School's mooting co-ordinator is Ms Alison Perry, contact details: A.Perry@swansea.ac.uk