Empirical research in legal studies: design, application and methods - Advanced Course: Use of AI Methods 1600-SPEC-BENP2-PR
The seminar is an advanced continuation of the introductory course on empirical methods in legal studies for doctoral students (1600-SZD-SPEC-BENP-PR). The classes are organized around several case studies illustrating the use of empirical methods in law and aim to explore the possibilities of applying AI methods to qualitative techniques (e.g. supporting content coding) and quantitative techniques (e.g. predicting characteristics based on text). The case studies discussed in class, drawn from the literature on specific empirical research projects, are selected to represent diverse research approaches and the interests of the participants.
The aim of the course is to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the possibilities offered by empirical methods in legal studies, their limitations, and the potential for improving the quality and efficiency of research through the use of AI tools.
As the course seeks to enhance participants’ understanding of empirical methods in law, it assumes that participants have completed a general course in empirical methods in the social sciences at the master’s level or an introductory course in empirical methods in legal studies at the doctoral level.
The course is based on the active participation of students in class discussions. Each participant will be asked to present a brief introduction to a case study of their choice (working in groups of up to three people will be permitted or required, depending on the number of participants) and to attempt to identify potential challenges in conducting the research. Due to the nature of the course, attendance is mandatory.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge | The graduate knows and understands:
WG_01 - to the extent necessary for existing paradigms to be revised - a worldwide body of work, covering theoretical foundations as well as general and selected specific issues - relevant to a particular discipline within the social sciences
WG_02 - the main development trends in the disciplines of the social sciences in which the education is provided
WG_03 - scientific research methodology in the field of the social sciences
WK_01 - fundamental dilemmas of modern civilisation from the perspective of the social sciences
Skills | The graduate is able to:
UK_05 - speaking a foreign language at B2 level of the Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages using the professional terminology specific to the discipline within the social sciences, to the extent enabling participation in an international scientific and professional environment
Social competences | The graduate is ready to
KO_01 - fulfilling the social obligations of researchers and creators
KO_02 - fulfilling social obligations and taking actions in the public interest, in particular in initiating actions in the public interest
KO_03 - think and acting in an entrepreneurial manner
Assessment criteria
Principles for passing the classes and the subject (including resit session); Course participation will be graded, exams are not available.
Methods for the verification of learning outcomes; Participants will be evaluated informally based on their input.
Evaluation criteria: Quality of input into the in-class discussion, quality of introduction to the case study
Bibliography
W trakcie kursu będą wykorzystywane dwa rodzaje literatury, podręczniki z zakresu metodologii empirycznych badań prawnych oraz artykuły naukowe i monografie opisujące konkretne badania Podręczniki są wymienione poniżej:
1. Banakar, R. and M. Travers, eds. Theory and method in socio-legal research, Hart 2005.
2. McConville, M., ed. Research methods for law. Edinburgh University Press, 2010
3. Leeuw, F. L., and H. Schmeets. Empirical legal research: A guidance book for lawyers, legislators and regulators. Edward Elgar Publishing, 2016.
4. Cane, P., and H. Kritzer, eds. The Oxford handbook of empirical legal research. OUP Oxford, 2010.
5. Epstein, L. and A. D. Martin. An introduction to empirical legal research. Oxford University Press, 2014.
Literatura do omawiania studiów przypadku będzie ustalona na zajęciach, w zależności od zainteresowań badawczych uczestników seminarium.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: