Course title

Introduction to Legal English 2Teacher(s)CARPENTER Keith

Numbering CodeJ2ML600

Day・PeriodFri2

開講区分

単位数

2nd semester

2.0

Timetable Slot
Code3J378

Lesson topic
This course will be at an introductory level for those wishing to develop the four (speaking, listening, writingand reading) English language skills in relation to legal subjects. The language covered will include both academic
language (used by those studying law) and professional language (used by lawyers).
Lesson target
By the end of the course, students will have improved their ability to:
1. listen to and understand both native and non-native speakers' of English talking about legal matters insituations such discussions and lectures/presentations;
2. speak about legal matters in a variety of situations such as advising, negotiating, explaining complicated legal
issues to both lawyers and non-lawyers;
3. read and understand legal texts such as statutes, case reports, legal correspondence;
4. write letters of application and emails/memoranda of advice

Syllabus and plan
The lectures are expected to be conducted with students attending in the classroom. However, it is also possiblethat some students, who are outside Japan and are awaiting a visa to enter Japan, will attend on-line, as well asthat the university and/or the faculty decide(s) to make all or a part of the classes on-line due to theepidemic etc.
There will be a total of 15 lectures. The following gives an indication of the topics to be covered by thelectures. Numbers of lectures for each topic and the order might be changed.
Lectures1-4: Commercial law
Lectures 4-8: Litigation & arbitration
Lectures 8-10: Employment dispute case study
Lectures 10-12: International law
Lectures 12-14: Comparative law
Lecture 15: review & progress confirmation

Evaluation method
Students will be assessed as follows:
50%:
30%:
20%:

level of active performance during lectures
written homework
final exam

Evaluation baseline
50%: by the level of their active participation and performance during lectures: this will include the extent ofattendance of classes and will be especially focused on understanding (listening) and expression (speaking) ability
during class activities
30%: by written homework: there will be three written assignments set during the term, each carrying 10% andcovering grammar, technical vocabulary, structure and format.
20%: final exam which will cover all the material covered during the semester

Notice (include info. on related class)Participating in this course will help develop appropriate skills for students who are considering studying at aforeign university under an exchange programme. It will also be useful for an international internship.
Exchange students can attend this course.

This course is recommended for students who wish to progress to the Advanced Legal English course.
Review and preparation
Students will be required to do some reading of the textbook in preparation for lectures and to do written andreview work as homework after lectures.
Kobe University requires 45 hours of study from students to award one credit, including both in-class instructions
as well as study outside classes.
Students are required to prepare for each class and complete the review after each class, depending on therespective class goals.
Office hour・Contact information
Contact can be made by email to: keith@people.kobe-u.ac.jp
There will also be time to ask questions at the beginning or end of classes.
Message for student
In order to talk about legal matters, it is not sufficient merely to know the correct legal terms and so the course
will cover language for discussing, comparing, suggesting etc. This functional language will be useful for otherbusiness and social situations. Students should consider the lectures as an opportunity to practise expressing
their opinions in new ways and not be afraid of making mistakes.
Students must bring their laptop to every class.

Improvemenets in Teaching

Text
Information about the textbook will be given at the first lecture. It will not be necessary to havefor the first lecture.
Reference Material
Please see above
Classroom Language
EnglishThe lectures will be conducted in English
Keywords
International legal English communication
LaptopExchange student(Special auditing student)
Term Paper

the textbook