日本語

Course Code etc
Academic Year 2026
College College of Law and Politics
Course Code EX582
Theme・Subtitle Introduction to Law: History and Approaches
Class Format Face to face (all classes are face-to-face)
Class Format (Supplementary Items)
Campus Seminar
Campus Ikebukuro
Semester Spring Semester
DayPeriod・Room Thu.3
ログインして教室を表示する(Log in to view the classrooms.)
Credits 2
Course Number LPX2913
Language Others
Class Registration Method Lottery Registration(定員:30人/ Capacity:30)
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。
https://www.rikkyo.ac.jp/about/disclosure/educational_policy/lp.html
Notes

【Course Objectives】

This course is designed for students interested in studying law-related topics in English, particularly those who are interested in having a general introduction to legal history and law, with an emphasis on the common law system. Moreover, this course might be a good option for those considering future participation in exchange programs or interested in the English-language Global Program from the Faculty of Law. Students will be introduced to studying in English in a manageable way. While the primary language of instruction is English, Japanese may also be used in class.

The main objectives of this course are twofold. First, to provide students with an introduction to legal studies in English in a supportive environment. Second, to introduce the history of law, different legal approaches, legal divisions, and how to analyze legal issues from different perspectives. By understanding the principles of legal thinking in English, students will develop critical and logical thinking skills relevant not only to their academic life but also beyond the university. This course aims to help students develop the critical thinking skills necessary to solve legal issues.

In summary, this course aims to help students:
a) Have a general introduction to law in English.
b) Gain basic legal knowledge of legal studies, especially legal history and the common law system.
c) Enhance critical and logical thinking skills.

【Course Contents】

The course begins with the history of law, tracing its development from Ancient Mesopotamia to the present. It then examines the rule of law and the distinctions between civil and common law systems. The course also covers statutory interpretation, focusing on how laws are understood and applied in practice. Finally, it introduces key areas of law, including contracts, torts, and criminal law, with an emphasis on common law jurisdictions.

Through the study of legal history, the rule of law, and the differences between civil and common law, students will gain an understanding of how legal systems have developed, with particular attention to common law. The course will cover the foundations and sources of law, the origins of legal institutions and reasoning, and current debates in key legal areas. If time allows, it will also address the role of courts and lawyers in Japan and internationally.

This is an introductory course and does not require prior legal knowledge.

The language of instruction is in English and for grade activities will be in English language as well. The instructor will seek to support students whose first language is not English.

Japanese Items

【授業計画 / Course Schedule】

1 Week 1: Course Introduction & Legal History
2 Week 2: Where Does the Law Come From? (Mesopotamia)
3 Week 3: Where Does the Law Come From? (Greece)
4 Week 4: Where Does the Law Come From? (Rome)
5 Week 5: The Rule of Law & Legal Systems
6 Week 6: Civil Law & Common Law
7 Week 7: Statutory Interpretation & Stare Decisis: General Introduction
8 Week 8: In-Class for Grade Debate/Activity for Grade (30%)
9 Week 9: Law and its Branches (Contracts)
10 Week 10: Law and its Branches (Torts: A General Introduction)
11 Week 11: Law and its Branches (Torts & Defamation)
12 Week 12: Law and its Branches (Criminal Law: An Introduction)
13 Week 13: Law and its Branches (Administrative & Constitutional Law)
14 Week 14: In-Class Final Test

【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

【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 minutes per week on 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(30%)
In-Class Debate/Presentation(30%)
In-Class Test(40%)
備考 (Notes)

【テキスト / Textbooks】

No著者名 (Author/Editor)書籍名 (Title)出版社 (Publisher)出版年 (Date)ISBN/ISSN
1 Raymond Wacks Law: A Very Short Introduction Oxford University Press 2015
その他 (Others)
Additional materials will be provided online or distributed in class.

【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】

Students should be motivated to study law in English.
本演習では、英語で法学を学ぶ意欲を持つことが求められます。

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

Students are encouraged to use a laptop or tablet during in-class tests. Those without access may request accommodation from the instructor.

授業内テストにおいては、ノートパソコンやタブレットの使用を推奨します。使用できない場合は、事前に担当教員へ申し出ることで、手書きによる回答を認めるなどの配慮を行います。

【その他 / Others】

【注意事項 / Notice】