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<\/a>\nInduction week is the start of your time at Kent; you will be formally admitted to the University, attend introductory sessions ran by the LLM Programme Convenors, explore the University and have the chance to socialize with future classmates.<\/p>\n
The week began with a welcome talk where we were introduced to some of the LLM Programme Convenors and the Postgraduate Administration Team.<\/p>\n
We were then given a tour of the Law Schools facilities which included the LLM postgraduate teaching, seminar and computer rooms. Postgraduates have access to all of the University\u2019s study areas, such as the main library (Templeman Library) and the college computer rooms, as well as having access to other facilities designed specifically for postgraduates such as the postgraduate common room and silent study area. The LLM postgraduate computer room can only be accessed by LLM scholars which presents the opportunity to socialize with classmates from different LLM programmes and create your own study groups. In effect it gives LLM scholars their own space while also encouraging collaboration among Academic Schools via the postgraduate common room.<\/p>\n
As part of the programme of introductory sessions and events for new LLM Scholars we also met with Ben Watson, the Academic Liaison Law Libarian, who gave a tour of Templeman library and an presentation on how to access electronic resources. We were also informed of training sessions on computer-assisted legal research services which run throughout the academic year. Therefore, there is no excuse to prevent you from mastering your research skills: a skill that not only the Law School but also law firms increasingly view as critical considering that most firms are reliant on some form of computer-assisted legal research service whether it be LexisNexis or Practical Law Company. We also attended talks on further Legal Research and Writing Skills Training, Graduate Studies Workshops, LLM Presentation Day, Special Lectures and Conferences and Kent\u2019s Law School Research Community.<\/p>\n
We then met with the LLM Programme Convenors. This was the time to introduce yourself to your convenor and learn more about them in an informal setting as well as address any questions specific to your programme before the module fair. At the module fair Convenors introduced themselves, their modules and \u2018module clusters\u2019. This is particularly useful as it takes place prior to the \u00a0first week of term where you are able to attend all of the course’s specific to your programme before making a final decision on which ones you will enrol. The week closed with a Drinks Reception hosted by the directors of postgraduate study whereby we were given the opportunity to socialize with future classmates and programme convenors.<\/p>\n
Postgraduate Seminars<\/strong> \u201cMy basic pedagogical philosophy is that \u2018knowledge\u2019 is the fruit of the effervescence of discussion and dialogue between people who are willing to be changed, however slightly, by what they hear and speak. For this change of heart and mind called \u2018learning\u2019 to take place, you must actively participate in class. Although I will take the lead in conjuring the space of dialogue and giving form to the discussion, as well as sometimes lecturing in order to explain difficult concepts, the success of this course for you individually and the class as a whole depend on your willingness and desire to be responsible for your own education by being prepared for and participating in class.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nIn the first seminar of one of my modules, Intellectual Property Law, we were presented with a quote from Professor Andrew Herman, a sociologist at Drake University in the United States. Here is what he had to say on class participation in seminars:<\/p>\n