The Research and Seminars Committee at Osgoode Hall Law School is hosting a graduate student work-in-progress series again this year. We are looking for four (4) presenters among the research LLM and PhD programmes, with presentations to be scheduled during the fall term. We will send out another call in January for the winter term.

Please read the following explanation of works-in-progress and write to me (JoshuaShaw@osgoode.yorku.ca) to express interest in participating as a presenter/author. If possible, express your interest by Tuesday, October 5, 2021.

How will these be held during the pandemic?

The works-in-progress will be held online via Zoom.

What is the purpose of a work-in-progress?

The point of a work-in-progress is to share a piece of research in its early stages: a draft paper or chapter, a set of ideas or arguments informing an analysis of yours, a piece under revision that you need help working through. Alternatively, you may decide to use the session to practice a conference presentation or a job talk. Attendees then provide feedback on the work-in-progress, and incidental to this, become exposed to other forms of legal scholarship and learn how to provide peer-to-peer feedback.

What happens during a work-in-progress?

Ordinarily, a written product (e.g., draft paper, an annotated outline) is shared one week in advance with the group intending to join. A graduate student colleague is also assigned to your work to help facilitate conversation, which may mean taking the lead on the first few questions during the work-in-progress session. During the session itself, you introduce the piece of research in 5 to 10 minutes, and then the balance of the hour is spent in active discussion with attendees about the work. Each session is approximately one hour in total, although it can run longer if conversation warrants. Attendees should provide productive and generous commentary.

Will faculty or other non-graduate students attend?

We will ordinarily arrange for a faculty member from the Research and Seminars Committee to attend unless you indicate you would prefer it that no faculty attend. You are also welcome to invite faculty or other guests, although keep in mind that works-in-progress work best with a small number of participants.

How many attend?

A small number is best for the purposes of discussion and the provision of detailed feedback (approximately 5 to 8 attendees).

How can I participate?

Write to me at JoshuaShaw@osgoode.yorku.ca. Include a working title to the work you intend to share with the group, a brief abstract (150-200 words) and 5 to 6 key words. Then indicate what months would work best with you, including any weeks or days within those months that you know you are not available. If you know a graduate student colleague who you would like to help facilitate your session, please identify them (including their contact information).

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Josh
Grad student rep. on the Research and Seminars Committee
GLSA Chair 2021-2022