LAWS 459 Advanced Independent Research
This is a variable credit hour course in that a student can earn either one (1) credit hour or two (2) credit hours for academic research resulting in the student producing a substantial research paper of such quality that it could be published as student notes in a law review. A student producing a research paper of at least 3,750 words will earn one (1) credit hour of academic credit. A student producing a research paper of at least 7,500 words will earn two (2) credit hours of academic credit. Legal Analysis & Writing I and II are prerequisites for Advanced Independent Research. In order to earn two (2) credit hours the student must meet individually with his or her faculty advisor for assessment of written work and then edit and rewrite the paper to produce a work of such quality that it could be published as a student note in a law review. A student earning two (2) credit hours may qualify for the upper-level writing requirement if the faculty advisor certifies that the work satisfies the upper-level writing requirement. Irrespective of the number of credit hours sought, both students and faculty advisors must comply with all requirements of Academic Affairs policies 1-006 (Independent Research Policy) and 1-013 (Upper-Level Writing Policy) – only if seeking two (2) credit hours, including obtaining approval of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs in order to register for the course. Legal Analysis and Writing I and II are prerequisites for this course.