CAL NORTHERN SCHOOL OF LAW
SYLLABUS – FALL 2017
COURSE: Introduction to Law School and Legal Analysis
COURSE NO. 100
UNITS: 1
INSTRUCTORS: Douglas B. Jacobs
Phone: 530-342-6144
Email:
Alan G. Schmidt
Phone: 530-828-9224 (cell)
Email:
Office Hours: Immediately after class and by appointment
REQUIRED TEXT: Law School Without Fear, 3rd Edition
By Shapo and Shapo
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will introduce students to the requirements for the successful study of law at Cal Northern School of Law. Students will learn some basic vocabulary and the methodology of the “case study” approach to legal analysis.
COURSE GOALS AND STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Course Goals:
I. Critical Thinking
a. Case Analysis using the IRAC method – comprehending and evaluating arguments and synthesizing law
II. Communication Skills
a. Written Communication – Ability to analyze factual information and to persuasively argue the law
III. Professionalism
a. Ethical obligations, appropriate demeanor, rules of civility
Student Learning Outcomes:
Specific student learning outcomes shall include the following:
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze cases
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the law to new factual contexts using the traditional IRAC format.
EVALUATION AND GRADING: This is a pass-fail class. Class attendance is required and the students should participate in discussions and be prepared with the assignments. We encourage questions. In order to receive credit for the course, each student is expected to turn in 2 assigned briefs.
STUDENT ADVISING: If you are having any student concerns, please make an appointment to talk with Doug Jacobs, Dean of Students (DOS). The sooner any concerns can be addressed, the more likely you are to succeed in this program. If you have a disability that might affect your participation in any course, please discuss it with the DOS as soon as possible.
READINGS AND ASSIGNMENTS: Note that we have not assigned every chapter of the book, although you should read all of it.
COURSE SCHEDULE: Please note the schedule is subject to revision.
DATE / MATERIAL / TEXT / OBJECTVES8/9/17 / Opening remarks
the Socratic method
Books: casebooks, hornbooks, outlines, the library
jurisprudence, stare decisis, cases, codes, legal treatises
Questions about law school. / Chapters 1, 4 and 6 / I, II, III
8/10/17 / Guest Speaker(s):
Current students discuss their Cal Northern experiences and answer questions
Introduction to IRAC
Balancing law school with the rest of your life / Chapters 14 and 15 / III
8/15/17 / IRAC
Briefing cases / Chapters 2, 8 and 13 / I, II, III
8/16/17 / Legal analysis and writing. / Chapter 7 / I, II, III
8/17/17 / Legal analysis and writing.
Preparation for law school classes
Cal Northern Writing Guidelines
Cal Northern Grading Policy
Preparing outlines
Wrap-Up / Chapters 3 and 16 / I, II, III
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