Admission requirements
The course is open to students who have completed at least the first two years of their Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Law. Participants are expected to have English language skills comparable to VWO level or at B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. For more information, please contact the course co-ordinator.
Description
The course aims to improve the English language skills within a legal context. Participants learn to read and understand legal texts such as articles, case briefs and statutes. Also, they will learn to write summaries, case briefs and essays. Listening skills will be practised by means of a variety of listening exercises, such as lectures, presentations and interviews. Speaking skills will be practiced through (group) discussions, presentations, interviews and role plays. At the end of the course students will be able to describe the Dutch legal system in broad outline.
The legal terminology of this course focuses on international law, criminal law, civil law, property law and contract law. However, other fields of law, such as company law and comparative law will also be discussed.
Course objectives
Objectives of the course
Listening: students acquire the skills needed to attend Law lectures and seminars where English is spoken.
Reading : students have developed skill in reading authentic, academic legal texts; they are able to apply different reading techniques.
Speaking: students are able to participate in class discussions and give short oral presentations on legal topics; they are also able to describe the Dutch legal system in broad outline.
Writing : students are able to write summaries, case briefs and essays on a legal topics in grammatically and stylistically correct English.
Timetable
See: <http://www.hum.leidenuniv.nl/talencentrum/engels/legal-english-bachelor-students.html>
Mode of instruction
There are ten 90-minute tutorials. Students are expected to prepare assignments for each tutorial. In addition, the course involves self-study for the examination.
Assessment method
Examination form(s)
Class participation and presentation (50%); written test on vocabulary and reading/writing (50%).
Areas to be tested within the exam
The examination syllabus consists of the required reading (literature) for the course, the course information guide and the subjects taught in the lectures, the seminars and all other instructions which are part of the course.
Blackboard
More information on this course is offered in Blackboard.
Reading list
Krois-Lindler, A. and M. Firth (newest edition). Introduction to international Legal English. A course for classroom or self-study use. (Student’s book). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (ISBN: 978 0 521 718998)
Registration
Via the Academic Language Centre
Contact information
Name: Dr. P.H. Dol
Work address: Cleveringaplaats 1, room 137
Contact information:
Telephone number: 071-527 4687
E-mail: p.h.dol@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Institution/division
Institution: Academisch Talencentrum
Division:Sectie Engels
Room number secretary’s office: Cleveringaplaats 1, room 125
Opening hours: weekdays 9.00-12.30 and 13.30-17.00
Telephone number secretary’s office: 071 527 2332
E-mail: talencentrum@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks
This course has a strictly limited number of places available. More information on this course is found on <http://www.hum.leidenuniv.nl/talencentrum/engels/legal-english-bachelor-students.html>.