Research and Writing Skills (Law and Tech Master)

This syllabus outlines the Research and Writing Skills course for the Law and Technology Master's program at Erasmus School of Law. The curriculum is centered on the theme of AI as a Nexus of Legal Complexity, guiding students through the ethical, regulatory, and societal challenges posed by emerging technologies. The course aims to transition students from foundational legal knowledge to independent academic research, emphasizing the ability to formulate research questions, apply doctrinal and empirical methodologies, and communicate complex findings effectively.

The course is divided into four modules that progress from theoretical introduction to practical skill application:

• Module A (Introduction): Explores the historical and societal impact of technology and introduces the legislative challenges of AI regulation.
• Module B (Practical Skills): Focuses on locating academic resources, analyzing case law, and participating in public debates to understand stakeholder perspectives.
• Module C (Research Methodology): Provides training in formulating research questions and applying both doctrinal (legal analysis, statutory interpretation) and empirical (qualitative and quantitative) research methods.
• Module D (Academic Writing): Teaches the principles of critical analysis and academic writing, focusing on structure, logic, and professional tone.

The course grade is determined by four components: a position paper and public debate (10%), a case note (20%), a group presentation on research design (30%), and a final individual research project (40%). Participation is mandatory, and students are expected to engage in peer feedback and collaborative learning. The course maintains strict policies regarding the use of generative AI, with specific categories of permitted use assigned to each project, and emphasizes the importance of original, independent work.