Course aims:

Updating, correcting and developing the previously acquired English skills
Developing the study abilities in English through specific tasks based on listening, speaking, and reading
Developing a cognitive strategy for the understanding of the specialized texts through the familiarization with the specialized Administration and Legal terminology in English.
Developing the abilities of clear communication and presentation of the acquired information in English.
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Course Entry Requirements:

A2-B1, B2 English level

Course contents:

1.Basic legal terms People in the Legal System: Civil Cases 2.Basic legal concepts Law firms, initiating a lawsuit 3.Legal resources Where do I look? 4.Preliminary documents Intake memos, retainer agreements and other documents 5.Court structure Understanding the Levels of the US Federal Courts 6.Jurisdiction Types of Jurisdiction 7.In the courtroom Jury Duty: rules and expectations 8.Court process Main procedures/actions in a trial 9.Court etiquette The Rules and Language in a Courtroom 10.Criminal Law The Objective of Criminal Law 11.Civil law Responsibilities of a Civil Law Attorney 12.Administrative law Responsibilities of a Specialist in Administrative Law 13.Initial client interview Eliciting information and taking notes 14.Interviewing witnesses Do You Trust Your Witness? – witness qualifications

Teaching methods:

Communication methods, audio and video resources, presentations, student-student interraction.

Learning outcomes:

Developing listening, reading and speaking abilities related to specific Administrative and Legal topics Acquiring familiarity with specialized language; reading for gist, understanding and communicating contents.

Learning outcomes verification and assessment criteria:

Oral examination and presentation by students: – 60%; continuous assessment – 40%.

Recommended reading:

Legal Glossary, https://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/glossary.
Brieger, N., Test Your Professional English – Law, Penguin English Guide, 2002, pg.:1-10, 12-13, 15-16, 26-27, 31, 35-46, 56-57, 72-75, 78-80.
Wyatt, Rawdon, Check Your English Vocabulary for Business and Administration, fourth edition, A&C Black. London, 2007, pg. 1-7, 11-12, 16-17, 49-54, 65-66.
Wyatt, R., Check Your English Vocabulary for Law, A&C Black London, 2006, pg. 1,2, 23-31, 45, 48-50.
Evans, V., Dooley, J., Smith, D., J., Career Paths – Law,  Express Publishing UK Ltd, pg. 4-33.