030594 KU International Legal English I (2018S)

The course is intended as a preparation for legal work using the English language, with a special emphasis on corporate law. The course helps develop competence and confidence in working in English by improving skills in the four language areas,: reading, writing, speaking and listening (Level C1).
Students will improve their ability to read and understand legal texts as well as their ability to write common legal texts, especially letters and memoranda. Students will improve their listening skills and strengthen their speaking skills.
The aim is to help students become familiar with legal English so that they are able to express themselves on a range of legal matters using accurate legal terminology, e.g., when working with foreign colleagues and clients. The course is designed to prepare students whose first language is not English to function efficiently, in terms of language ability, in the international legal environment.
The teaching adopts a highly participatory format, encouraging students to take part in discussion. A variety of modern and interactive teaching tools are employed to make the learning attractive and effective. The focus lies on practical applications of the authentic language of the law and improvement of students´ productive skills, achieved by engaging in conversations on legal matters and role plays. The tasks are based on realistic tasks of the kind legal practitioners would expect to encounter in their daily working lives. Although teaching underlying knowledge is a component of the course, the course is primarily a language course with a strong focus on linguistic proficiency and knowledge.