MODULE CONTENT:
This module is an introduction to U.S. constitutional, statutory, and common law, with a focus on interpretation of the United States Constitution and the fundamental rights protected by the Constitution. Throughout the course we use the common law method of applying precedent (judicial decisions made through cases) as the primary way to understand the meanings of the U.S. Constitution and the rights protected therein.
Through our legal analysis of precedent, you will develop the critical thinking skills needed to understand statutes, case law, constitutional provisions, and administrative regulations through legal analysis. These critical thinking skills include analyzing the facts, identifying the appropriate legal rules, and applying the legal rules to new fact situations (hypotheticals).
Finally, by studying U.S. constitutional law and major landmark cases from the U.S. Supreme Court, we will examine the role of law in the U.S. as both a stabilizing force in society as well as a catalyst for change. We will discuss, reflect on, and debate both strengths of the U.S. legal system as well as weaknesses, and potential for change.
Success in this class requires active engagement with the materials and questions posted during class, participation in class discussions and debate, and a willingness to learn, make mistakes, and to be challenged.
MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Some of the learning objectives for this course, or the knowledge and skills that you will gain from it, are the ability to:
1) understand the history, structure, and characteristics of U.S. law;
2) explain the role of law in U.S. society;
3) identify legal questions and arguments presented by parties in a case;
4) categorize the different sources of law;
5) present oral arguments based on U.S. law on behalf of a fictional client;
6) brief, present, and argue important cases and legal principles in U.S. law orally and in writing;
7) apply U.S. law to predict the result in cases; and
8) discuss, debate, and think critically about U.S. law and the judicial system.
This module is an introduction to U.S. constitutional, statutory, and common law, with a focus on interpretation of the United States Constitution and the fundamental rights protected by the Constitution. Throughout the course we use the common law method of applying precedent (judicial decisions made through cases) as the primary way to understand the meanings of the U.S. Constitution and the rights protected therein.
Through our legal analysis of precedent, you will develop the critical thinking skills needed to understand statutes, case law, constitutional provisions, and administrative regulations through legal analysis. These critical thinking skills include analyzing the facts, identifying the appropriate legal rules, and applying the legal rules to new fact situations (hypotheticals).
Finally, by studying U.S. constitutional law and major landmark cases from the U.S. Supreme Court, we will examine the role of law in the U.S. as both a stabilizing force in society as well as a catalyst for change. We will discuss, reflect on, and debate both strengths of the U.S. legal system as well as weaknesses, and potential for change.
Success in this class requires active engagement with the materials and questions posted during class, participation in class discussions and debate, and a willingness to learn, make mistakes, and to be challenged.
MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Some of the learning objectives for this course, or the knowledge and skills that you will gain from it, are the ability to:
1) understand the history, structure, and characteristics of U.S. law;
2) explain the role of law in U.S. society;
3) identify legal questions and arguments presented by parties in a case;
4) categorize the different sources of law;
5) present oral arguments based on U.S. law on behalf of a fictional client;
6) brief, present, and argue important cases and legal principles in U.S. law orally and in writing;
7) apply U.S. law to predict the result in cases; and
8) discuss, debate, and think critically about U.S. law and the judicial system.
- ZHAW Teacher: Claire Kowarsky (W Extern)
- ZHAW Teacher: Nyasa Lisa Steger (W Dozentin)
