English for Students of Law, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Master´s Programme in Commercial and Business Law with focus on Europe
• Master Programme in Commercial and Business Law

Entry requirements

Two years of undergraduate studies in Business Law/Law.

Intended learning outcomes

After completing the course, students should 
- have developed their skills in both spoken and written English
- have increased their understanding of English legal texts of both a general and more specific nature and improved their techniques for dealing with such texts
- have acquired an understanding of the Anglo Saxon legal system
- be able to discuss and compare the Anglo Saxon system with their own
- be able to identify and analyse their own linguistic strengths and weaknesses as well develop and apply strategies for improving these skills
- be able to use the English language in a way that is appropriate to discussions of a legal nature.

Course content

The course takes up the Anglo Saxon view of law and legal culture from a historical perspective. Texts of different types and from different sources that concern law are read and discussed, and legal terminology is studied and used in the context of these readings and discussions. Different philosophical legal issues are the basis for practising writing skills. Presentation techniques are practised. Grammar is revised and practised as the need arises.
After having completed the course, students are expected to be able to:

- present material in a professional manner both in writing and orally
- read and understand a text of a legal nature
- command a wide legal terminology
- describe and compare the Anglo Saxon system with that of their own country
- understand the Anglo Saxon system from a historical perspective
- write correct English.

Teaching and working methods

The teaching consists of seminars and lessons where active participation is expected.

Examination

The examination comprises a presentation with a written report or abstract which is discussed in class, different written assignments based on matters discussed and work done during lessons, and a written examination.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department