日本語

Course Code etc
Academic Year 2025
College College of Law and Politics
Course Code EX124
Theme・Subtitle How to Write Like a Lawyer
Class Format Face to face (all classes are face-to-face)
Class Format (Supplementary Items)
Campus Lecture
Campus Ikebukuro
Semester Fall semester
DayPeriod・Room Thu.4
ログインして教室を表示する(Log in to view the classrooms.)
Credits 2
Course Number LPX3901
Language English
Class Registration Method Lottery Registration(定員:20人/ Capacity:20)
Assigned Year 配当年次は開講学部のR Guideに掲載している科目表で確認してください。
Prerequisite Regulations
Acceptance of Other Colleges 履修登録システムの『他学部・他研究科履修不許可科目一覧』で確認してください。
Course Cancellation 〇(履修中止可/ Eligible for cancellation)
Online Classes Subject to 60-Credit Upper Limit
Relationship with Degree Policy 各授業科目は、学部・研究科の定める学位授与方針(DP)や教育課程編成の方針(CP)に基づき、カリキュラム上に配置されています。詳細はカリキュラム・マップで確認することができます。
Notes グローバルコースの学生優先

【Course Objectives】

Writing is a form of art that comes with its own challenges. Legal writing can be particularly challenging, as it presents unique difficulties. Students and legal professionals must write in a fluid, clear, and objective way while navigating complex and often obscure legal language. Additionally, legal writing follows a specific argumentative style that is unique to the field and can vary based on whether one is writing from a common law or civil law perspective.

The main objectives of this course are threefold. First, the course will assist students in familiarizing themselves with academic legal writing. Second, support students in engaging with argumentative writing in a professional legal context. Finally, the course will provide guidance on how to avoid logical fallacies for clearer and more effective writing.

In summary, this course aims to help students:
a) Better understand how to write academically and technically in English.
b) Gain a deeper understanding of professional and argumentative legal English.
c) Develop skills to construct better arguments and avoid logical mistakes.

Everyone is welcome to join the course! Students do not need to be advanced English speakers or have extensive knowledge of law. Everyone is encouraged to learn at their own pace, and the instructor will adjust the class style and pace to accommodate the students' needs.

【Course Contents】

This course is designed to develop students' ability to write clearly, effectively, and persuasively within a legal framework. It is divided into four key sections, each addressing a specific aspect of legal writing.

The first section focuses on a review of essential grammar and writing techniques tailored to legal contexts. Students will focus on clarity, precision, and conciseness in legal writing, with particular emphasis on identifying and avoiding common mistakes. This section will equip students with practical skills to enhance their writing abilities.

The second part of the course focuses on academic writing within the field of law. Students will learn how to write well-structured academic essays and solve problem questions, both of which are critical components of legal education. Emphasis will be placed on developing coherent arguments, organizing research findings, properly citing sources using legal citation standards, and responding effectively to research or problem questions. This section aims to prepare students for scholarly work and enhance their analytical and argumentative writing skills.

The third section focuses on professional legal writing, particularly drafting argumentative documents for international legal settings. Students will focus on writing a complaint/a legal document in defense of a client before international courts. This section highlights the application of international law rules while fostering practical skills that bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.

The course's final section addresses the identification and avoidance of logical fallacies when writing or making arguments in general. Students will develop the ability to recognize flawed arguments, construct logical and persuasive arguments, and refine their reasoning skills. This section emphasizes writing that is clear, concise, logical, and persuasive.

By the end of the course, students will have developed advanced legal writing skills applicable to academic, professional, and argumentative contexts. They will be well-equipped to produce polished legal documents, engage critically with legal issues, and communicate effectively within a globalized legal environment.

Japanese Items

【授業計画 / Course Schedule】

1 Week 1
Topic: Course Introduction & English for Lawyers
2 Week 2
Topic: English for Lawyers (Part 2)
3 Week 3
Topic: How to Write a Legal Essay
4 Week 4
Topic: How to Write a Legal Essay (Part 2)
5 Week 5
Topic: How to Write a Legal Essay (Part 3)
6 Week 6
Topic: How to Answer Problem Questions
7 Week 7
Topic: How to Answer Problem Questions (Part 2)
8 Week 8
Topic: How to Answer Problem Questions (Part 3)
9 Week 9
Topic: How to Write Like a Lawyer (International Law)
10 Week 10
Topic: How to Write Like a Lawyer (International Law)
11 Week 11
Topic: How to Write Like a Lawyer (International Law)
12 Week 12
Topic: Making Strong Arguments - How to Avoid Logical Fallacies (Part 1)
13 Week 13
Topic: Making Strong Arguments - How to Avoid Logical Fallacies (Part 2)
14 Week 14
Topic: Making Strong Arguments - How to Avoid Logical Fallacies (Part 3)

【活用される授業方法 / Teaching Methods Used】

板書 /Writing on the Board
スライド(パワーポイント等)の使用 /Slides (PowerPoint, etc.)
上記以外の視聴覚教材の使用 /Audiovisual Materials Other than Those Listed Above
個人発表 /Individual Presentations
グループ発表 /Group Presentations
ディスカッション・ディベート /Discussion/Debate
実技・実習・実験 /Practicum/Experiments/Practical Training
学内の教室外施設の利用 /Use of On-Campus Facilities Outside the Classroom
校外実習・フィールドワーク /Field Work
上記いずれも用いない予定 /None of the above

補足事項 (Supplementary Items)
Individual and Group Writing Exercises.

【授業時間外(予習・復習等)の学修 / Study Required Outside of Class】

Students are expected to spend about 110 min. per week for required and optional readings, assignments, and other learning activities.

【成績評価方法・基準 / Evaluation】

種類 (Kind)割合 (%)基準 (Criteria)
平常点 (In-class Points)100 In-Class Participation(40%)
In-Class Writing 1(20%)
In-Class Writing 2(20%)
In-Class Writing 3(20%)
備考 (Notes)

【テキスト / Textbooks】

その他 (Others)
All materials will be provided online (on Canvas LMS).

【参考文献 / Readings】

【履修にあたって求められる能力 / Abilities Required to Take the Course】

Everyone is welcome to join the course! Students do not need to be advanced English speakers or have extensive knowledge of law. Everyone is encouraged to learn at their own pace, and the instructor will adjust the class style and pace to accommodate the students' needs.

In this course, all students need is curiosity and an interest in global issues, as well as a willingness to improve their English skills. If students feel uncertain about their English language abilities, the instructor will provide the necessary assistance and support.
A suitable English language proficiency level is a minimum of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

【学生が準備すべき機器等 / Equipment, etc., that Students Should Prepare】

Students should have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone to conduct in-class research and writing.

【その他 / Others】

【注意事項 / Notice】