Duration
Terminology and textual analysis : 24h Th
Practice : 18h Pr
Number of credits
| Bachelor in law | 4 crédits |
Lecturer
Terminology and textual analysis : François van der Mensbrugghe
Practice : Frédéric Depas, Kevin Heyeres, Caroline Hougardy, Estelle Oger, Mercyline Rayola Orodo
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
All year long, with partial in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Terminology and textual analysis
The aim of the Legal English course is to introduce law students to a broad range of legal texts that will assist them in their academic and professional undertakings. The method of the course goes beyond mere translation and the memorizing of lists of vocabulary. It is meant to provide an introductory understanding of the legal culture of the English-speaking world (Common Law) so that students may convey their understanding in a non-English speaking context. In order to achieve this objective, students are invited to read a vast array of texts taken from the Common Law (and specifically the English and American legal environments). Besides judicial decisions and statutory instruments, the material comprises academic writings as well as law reports taken from leading English newspapers. In addition to a hard-copy, reading material will be accessible on-line (E-reading).
Practice
This course aims to help students to improve their speaking skills in legal and academic English.
Seven modules have been designed to make students interact orally in an academic setting, give presentations, express their views, and to exchange arguments and negotiate outcomes.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Terminology and textual analysis
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1). convey the meaning of a Common Law judgment in their native language;
2). write a short note in Legal English;
3). command the structure of the court system in the United States and the United Kingdom, in addition to understanding the main features of Civil Procedure in both countries;
4). discuss and analyze several key areas of contemporary legal debate (current and developing trends) in the English-speaking world.
Practice
The objective CEFR level of this course is B2+.
At the end of this class, students will have improved their discourse management skills in a legal and academic environment. Among other things, they will be able to:
- take and give the floor,
- acquire information,
- use linking words and transitional expressions appropriately,
- present and defend their opinions,
- debate by expressing agreement, disagreeement, and concession,
- negotiate an outcome, or
- explain legal terms.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Terminology and textual analysis
Students are kindly requested to have a "reasonable" command of the English language. Those students who feel they have a "below average" command of English are kindly invited to make this known at the outset of the course.
Practice
This course is a follow-up of the level 1 course "Legal and general English" (LANG0051).
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Terminology and textual analysis
In the main, the course involves reading a significant number of legal texts in English. All texts will be made available online (E-reading). Exercises will also be given (some of which may involve writing in English).
Practice
Regular attendance and active participation are requested.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Terminology and textual analysis
Face-to-face course
Additional information:
Face-to-face course
Additional information:
Given during the first semester, classes take place on Tuesday evenings, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm (02 - Thiry - Opéra).
The first class will take place on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.
Practice
Face-to-face course
Additional information:
This course consists of in-class sessions.
Recommended or required readings
Terminology and textual analysis
The texts will be made available through a case-book (accessible online as well: E-reading).
Besides the texts themselves, the entire course is based on extensive usage of a Powerpoint presentation, available on the website of the course.
Practice
The textbook will be available on e-campus in due time.
Terminology and textual analysis
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam
Additional information:
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( open-ended questions )
Additional information:
The form of the exam is a two-hour written examination comprising:
- four comprehension questions (answers in French)
- a commentary ("case brief") of a judgment in English, analyzed in class (answer in English);
- the translation and commentary ("case brief") of a judgment in English, that was not analyzed in class (translation from the English into French, case brief in French);
No document, course related material or dictionaries are allowed in the examination room. Electronic devices (cellphones, electronic dictionaries, etc.) are strictly prohibited.
Practice
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Additional information:
The assessment will consist of an oral exam. It will take place during the June exam session.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Terminology and textual analysis
See above, Mode of delivery.
Contacts
Terminology and textual analysis
fvdmensbrugghe@uliege.be
Professor van der Mensbrugghe occupies a shared office at the Law School (next to room "Séminaire 1"). Due to his rare presence in his office, students are kindly requested to contact him by e-mail.
Practice
Frédéric Depas - F.Depas@uliege.be
Kevin Heyeres - k.heyeres@uliege.be
Caroline Hougardy - C.Hougardy@uliege.be
Estelle Oger - estelle.oger@uliege.be
Mercyline Rayola Orodo - MR.Orodo@uliege.be
Audrey Renson - Audrey.Renson@uliege.be
Coordination: Estelle Oger