Legal Science, Thesis Writing and Communication
About the course
Legal Science, Thesis Writing and Communication is one of six courses included in the compulsory component of the PhD programme.
The course covers the generally accepted starting points and principles for formulating legal texts. One of the questions that will be covered in this context is who is the recipient of a thesis.
The course will also cover questions of presentation in relation to the written work of the individual student.
Guidance on how researchers can communicate their research, including via the media, will also be provided in the course.
Objectives of the course
By participating in the course students will acquire knowledge about the requirements that apply to the formal formulation of written legal texts. These requirements concern in part the relationship between the use of headings, body text, indentation and footnotes. The students will also be trained in formulating legal tests that satisfy the review and readability requirements when building legal arguments. The students shall also learn to complete a legal research project in the form of an article suitable for publication.
Furthermore, the students shall become more aware of how the practical aspects of the writing process should be structured. This includes the relationship between structure and writing, as well as the relationship between writing for yourself and writing for a reader.
The students will be better equipped to communicate legal knowledge to society using media and other communication channels.
Credit reduction
If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:
- JUR-8010 Article Writing 5 ects
- JUR-8004 Writing a PhD Thesis in Law and Dissemination 3 ects
Teaching methods
The teaching consists of a combination of lectures and discussions in a seminar format, in addition to two writing courses, project presentations, midterm evaluation and production of an article.
The PhD students are also encouraged to participate in disputations and trial lectures at the faculty or other educational institutes.
Language of instruction and examination
Norwegian and EnglishSchedule
The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.
It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.
Examination
| Portfolio |
Grade: Passed / Not Passed |
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| A one-day seminar on scientific communication | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Writing courses | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Attending project presentations | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Presentations of their own projects | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Mid-term evaluation | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Writing an article | Grade: Approved – not approved |
Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage
More info about the portfolio
A one-day seminar on scientific communication
Two writing courses (minimum of four hours per course)
At least three project presentations and one to two presentations of their own projects (minimum three hours per presentation)
Midway evaluation
Writing a 15-20 page legal article that must, in form and content, be finished and suitable for publication in a legal journal.
The students receive formative feedback during the completion of the mandatory coursework requirements, before the portfolio as a whole is given a final overall assessment.