Syllabus

Title
4937 Law and Language: Key Concepts, Cases and Comparative Challenges
Instructors
Univ.Prof. Dr. Gerlinde Mautner, Univ.Prof. Dr. Harald Eberhard, Univ.Prof. Dr. Georg Kodek, LL.M.
Type
FS
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
02/22/23 to 03/03/23
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Thursday 03/09/23 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM D1.1.078
Thursday 04/20/23 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM TC.5.28
Friday 04/21/23 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM TC.4.13
Thursday 04/27/23 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM D2.0.382
Friday 04/28/23 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM D2.0.382
Contents

The goal of the course is to introduce students to the basics of substantive law in the Anglo-Saxon legal system (with a focus on England and Wales), and to conduct a legal comparison with Austria and other EU countries. It is taught completely in English, and deals with selected topics spanning both civil law and public law. The course has three main pillars: 1) understanding a range of legal systems across Europe; 2) English language skills; and 3) research skills (e.g., research design, interpretation, argumentation, presentation). This is achieved by means of strong interdisciplinary collaboration.

Learning outcomes

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

  • Understand key terms of the Anglo-Saxon legal system and apply them appropriate to the situation;
  • Comprehend similarities and differences between the legal systems and express them linguistically;
  • Present legal topics in English in a clear and precise manner;
  • Use rhetorical devices effectively to communicate in a persuasive and audience-friendly manner.
Attendance requirements

Students must be present at least 80% of class time.

Teaching/learning method(s)

Input from lecturers, presentations by students, group discussions, exercises in legal English.

Assessment

The grading is based on three forms of assessment:

  • A 20-minute presentation on one of the topics assigned in the preliminary meeting (60%)
  • Creation of an accompanying handout and a PowerPoint presentation (20%)
  • Active participation in class discussions and exercises (20%)

For all forms of assessment, both the legal and language skills of students will be taken into account. For more information, and specifications for the design of the handout, see the announcements on learn@wu.

Readings

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Last edited: 2022-11-30



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