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 and legal correspondence. Also, they will learn to write letters and memo’s. Listening skills will be practised by means of a variety of listening exercises, such as lectures, presentations and interviews. Speaking skills will be practiced though (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 commercial law, civil law, property law and contract law. However, other fields of law, such as criminal law and comparative law will also be discussed.
After completing this course students may carry on to do the Preparation Course for the ILEC Examination, which focuses on acquiring the language skills needed in Legal English to pass the examination for the International Legal English Certificate (ILEC). This external examination can be taken at the British Council, on payment of the appropriate fee. The diploma acquired is internationally recognised.
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 their life as a Law student and the Dutch legal system in broad outline.
Writing : students are able to write letters and memo’s on a legal topic in grammatically and stylistically correct English.
Timetable
Tutorials: Tuesday, 9.15 – 11.00
Semester 1: 7 September – 16 November 2010 (exam: Friday 26 November, 9.00 – 12.00)
Semester 2: 1 February – 12 April 2011 (exam: Tuesday 19 April, 9.00 – 12.00)
Mode of instruction
There are twelve 90-minute tutorials. Students are expected to prepare assignments for each tutorial. In addition, the course involves self-study for the tests.
Assessment method
Examination form(s)
Class participation and presentation (30%); written test on vocabulary, listening and reading (70%).
Submission procedures
None.
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 (2008). 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 101
Contact information:
Telephone number: 071-5271450
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 5272332
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/taalonderwijs/engels/legal-english-bachelor-students.html/>.