Legal English: Foundations

This course is designed for law students and alumni who would like to acquire law-related English skills with a focus on using appropriate vocabulary in specific legal areas.

The course offers an introduction to legal terminology and concepts through the study of a variety of topics which range from the language of the legal profession to general practice areas in which lawyers specialize.

Since the aim is to enable you to develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in the legal context, the course utilizes methods such as group discussions, writing exercises, oral presentations and role plays. The classroom exercises and homework allow you to progressively transform your exposure to legal vocabulary and expressions into practical language skills.

The course is also beneficial for students considering participation in any English language moot courts, including the Vis Commercial Arbitration Moot, as well as those contemplating studying or working abroad or in an international practice area. Participants should be aware that "Legal English – Foundations" is not a course in substantive or procedural law.

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • understand and use common legal terms in various practice areas including: contract law, tort law, commercial law, criminal law, international law, and dispute resolution;
  • use the target language structures and vocabulary in law-related compositions with a degree of fluency and confidence.

This course is offered in the fall semester only.

Course information

Course level
C1
Date
25.09.2024–11.12.2024
  • Wednesday, 12:10–13:50
24 Lessons
Lecturer
Alissa Palumbo Högger, Dr. iur.
Credit points
2 ECTS
Registration deadline
Sunday 22.09.2024
Course fee
Students and PhD candidates: CHF 315.00
Members of staff: CHF 579.00
Alumni: CHF 579.00
Alumni FHNW: CHF 579.00

There will be no class on 9 October 2024.

Target group

Participants must already have completed at least two semesters of law.

Course materials

The course materials will be provided by the instructor.

Requirements

To earn credit points, participants are expected to

  • not be absent more than twice,
  • participate actively in class,
  • pass three written assignments of at least 200 words each (if an assignment is unsatisfactory, it may be resubmitted once),
  • deliver one oral presentation, followed by a class discussion,
  • submit a portfolio consisting of the three written assignments, along with the improved versions thereof.

Workload for ECTS:
In addition to class time, participants must plan to spend 3 hours per week on preparing and reviewing for class and on autonomous learning.

You can earn 2 credit points.
The course is graded with either pass or fail.

Certificate of attendance

Active participation is assumed. In order to receive a certificate of attendance for this course, you are not allowed to be absent more than twice.

Placement test

A placement test is required for this course. You are only allowed to participate and earn credit points if your level is not significantly higher than the level of the course. In borderline cases, the head of the respective language program will decide whether it is possible to participate with or without credit points based on an oral examination.

Replacement date

The supplementary replacement date for lessons that might not take place is: 07.12.2024 from 10:00 - 16:00.

to top