Programme « English for Law » 2011 Sydney – juillet à décembre 2011

       

         

Un  programme  créé    pour  l’EFB  par  Australie  Mag  et  UNSW  Global  Sydney    

           

English for Law Program Schedule 18 July to 16 December, 2011 Each module comprises 100 hours of tuition, 5 weeks @ 20 hours per week. 18 July – 19 August Module A: Legal Practitioners, Corporate Law, the Australian Legal System 22 August – 23 September Module B Contract Law, Employment Law, the English Legal System 24 September- 9 October 2 week break 10 October – 11 November Module C Sale of Goods, Real Property, Intellectual Property, Negotiable Instruments, the US Legal System 14 November – 16 December Module D Competition Law, Secured Transactions, Debtor-Creditor, Public International Law

UNSW Institute of Languages Course Introduction

English for Law – EFL

2

English for Law – EFL

Introduction

This course is designed for students with a high general English proficiency who want to develop the language skills needed for practice as a commercial lawyer in an English-speaking environment.

Course Overview

The skills covered include reading legal texts, listening to talks and conversations on legal topics, writing legal letters and memoranda, and legal discussions and roleplays. The excursions are to courts, Parliament and law schools.

Course Goals

To equip students with the language macro-skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) required to function effectively in a commercial law environment.

To improve legal writing skills

To provide students with an overview of common law legal systems and processes, and specifically those of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Assessment

Your performance in the course will be formally assessed as follows: Class participation 5%

(includes contributions in class, homework attendance) Mid Course Test 25% Speaking test 15% Written tasks 30% Final Exam 25%

Specific Course Objectives

LISTENING General Objectives To enable learners to understand the content and recognise the purpose of the different types of spoken genres in a legal context, such as job interviews, lawyer client

3

interviews, providing advice, informal discussions with colleagues, negotiations and seminars.

Specific Objectives

to understand the structure and staging of both conversations and formal presentations.

to listen both for gist and specific information

to distinguish between main points and minor details

to recognise the function of discourse markers in the staging of spoken discourse

to recognise and interpret the use of the cohesive devices of reference and conjunction

to recognise the role played by intonation, stress, pausing, elision and other features of continuous spoken discourse

to guess from context the meaning of unknown words

to become familiar with the range of accents used by speakers of English

Reading

General Objectives To enable learners to process information in legal texts and to use such information in related tasks in their legal work. To extend legal vocabulary. Specific Objectives

to recognise typical written legal genres

to understand the author’s purpose.

to understand the underlying structure of a text

to recognise the staging of a text and the role played by textual cohesion for this purpose

to recognise the main points in a written text

to analyse and evaluate ideas and arguments critically

to develop and practice speed and efficiency in reading by through skills such as skimming and scanning

to learn key legal vocabulary in a range of commercial practice areas.

Speaking General Objectives

4

To enable learners to develop adequate speaking skills to practice commercial law. Specific Objectives

to practice explaining various aspects of the learner’s legal system.

to practice explaining the meaning of a law

to participate effectively in role-plays and small group discussions.

to practise skills of summarising and paraphrasing information.

to be familiar with conversation strategies and to practice such strategies as interrupting, agreeing, disagreeing, elaborating, challenging, and clarifying.

to attain a successful level of pronunciation in English.

Writ ing General Objectives To enable learners to develop adequate writing skills to practice commercial law. Specific Objectives

to write letters and memoranda of advice.

to practice standard phrases for opening and closing correspondence.

to write informative memoranda.

to develop the skills of paraphrasing and summarising

to develop control of textual cohesion.

to develop awareness of the appropriate level of formality in different types of writing.

to introduce the concept of plagiarism and techniques for avoiding it

to become familiar with the conventions of quoting, referencing and bibliography

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Course Book

Resources for your course: The following material will be useful for your ILEC course: 1. Course textbook: International Legal English Amy Krois Lindner and Translegal, Cambridge University Press 2006. 2. An English/English dictionary Make sure that it contains enough grammatical information to show you how to use the work; you can understand the definitions; and, that it tells you how to pronounce the work Recommended (any of the following): Collins Cobuild Essential English dictionary Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English Cambridge International Dictionary of English Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English. In order to learn the pronunciation of new words which you look up in the dictionary, you will need to be able to read phonetic symbols. If you cannot do this tell your teacher/coordinator, who may be able to arrange a lesson for your class. 3. A good basic law dictionary. Dictionary of Law (published by A&C Black) has clear definitions and phonetic pronunciation. Osborne’s (UK) or Black’s (US) are also popular. You should also be able to use online law dictionaries. 4. A grammar practice book. Recommended (either of these): Murphy, R. (1985). English Grammar in Use, Cambridge University Press, U.K. Thompson, R.A. (1991). Sense and System in English Sentences, CR Press N.S.W. Australia. 5. A grammar reference book. Recommended (either of these): Leech, G and Svartvik, J. (1975). A Communicative Grammar of English, Longman U.K. Quirk, R. Greenbaum, S. Leech, G. Svartvik, J. AGrammar of Contemporary English. Longman U.K. 6. A usage book with common mistakes and difficulties in English. This will help you to write, and edit your writing. Recommended: Michael Swan’s Practical English Usage; Collins Cobuild English Usage

C:\Documents and Settings\adelep\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\UX08N3S6\Curriculum Overview revision English for law (2).doc

English for Law - Curriculum Overview Module A: Legal Practitioners, Corporate Law, the Australian Legal System

Wk Organising

Principle

Reading 1

Reading 2 Listening Writing Speaking Language/

Vocabulary

Language/

grammar

Pronunciation Test

preparation

Consultations

1

Practice of Law

Bodies of Law Types of laws Legal education: A call to the Bar

A lawyer’s curriculum vitae

Documents in court Lawyers Law firm structure Practice areas Law firm culture

Student’s CV

Explaining what a law says Civil court systems Describing a law firm

Types of courts Persons in court

Legal Latin

English Speech practice Unit 1

Introduction to the ILEC test ILEC Reading skills & strategies 1

Individual consultations on Writing tasks and other areas which need attention

2

Company Law:

Company

formation and

management

Introduction to company law. Memorandum of association Limited liability partnership bill

Corporate governance

Company formation Forming a business in the UK

A letter of advice

Informal presentation: a type of company

Key terms: roles in company management Text analysis: A letter of advice

Language use: shall and may

English Speech practice Unit 2

ILEC Listening skills & strategies 1

Individual consultations on Writing tasks and other areas which need attention

3

Company Law:

Capitalisation

Introduction to company capitalization Shareholders and supervisory boards

New Legislation

A rights issue Plain Language

Summarising

Paraphrasing and expressing opinions

Key terms: shares Language use 1: Contrasting information Text analysis: Understanding legalese

Language use 2: Common collocations (verb plus noun)

English Speech practice Unit 3

ILEC Writing Skills & strategies 1

Individual consultations on Writing tasks and other areas which need attention

4

Company Law:

fundamental

changes in a

company

Introduction to changes in companies Spin-offs

The minutes of a meeting Shareholder rights

Explaining legal aspects of an acquisition A checklist

Standard phrases for opening and closing letters and emails

Presenting a spin-off

Key terms: Opposing concepts in company law Text analysis: beginning a presentation Language use 1: Explaining a procedure

Language use 2: Collocations

English Speech practice Unit 4

ILEC Speaking Skills & strategies 1

Individual consultations on Writing tasks and other areas which need attention

5

The Australian

legal system

The Sources of Australian Law Ch 2, John Carvan, Understanding the Australian Legal System

The Legal System Ch 4, Carvan, Understanding the Australian Legal System

Angela Langton Australia ‘s Political System

Sample Question Carvan, p38

Discussion. Sources of Law and Political systems in student’s countries

Riley, Vocabulary for Law, p11 Nouns:politics

Word Forms Thompson Chapter 1

English Speech practice Unit 5

Practice ILEC Test 1

Individual consultations on Writing tasks and other areas which need attention

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Module B

Contract Law, Employment Law, the English Legal System

Wk Organising

Principle

Reading 1 Reading 2 Listening Writing Speaking Language/

vocabulary

Language/

grammar

Pronunciation Test

Preparation

Consultations

1

Contracts:

contract

formation

Introduction to contract formation A covenant

E contracts

Negotiating Contract negotiation

An informative memo

Paraphrasing clauses Role-play: negotiating an agreement

Key terms: Defences to contract formation Text analysis: Understanding contracts Language use 1: Giving emphasis

Language use 2: Negotiating expressions Language use 3: Adverbs

English Speech practice Unit 6

Introduction to the ILEC test ILEC Reading skills & strategies II

Individual consultations on Writing tasks and other areas which need attention

2

Contracts:

remedies

Introduction to contract remedies Liquidated damages

Understanding contract clauses Types of breach

A Danish remedy Remedies

Follow-up correspondence to a client

Presentation: contract remedies Initial interview with a client

Key terms: Types of damages Language use 1: Talking about court actions and rulings Text analysis: Initial interview with a client

Language use 2: Using repetition to aid understanding

Headway Intermediate Pronunciation Unit 1

ILEC Listening Skills & strategies Part II

Individual consultations on writing tasks and other areas which need attention

3

Contracts:

assignment

and third-

party rights

Introduction to contract assignation Understanding contract clauses

Follow-up email A closing argument Keeping informed

Preparing a lawsuit and developing an argument A closing argument

Memo giving advice

Explaining third-party rights Emphatic stress Discussing and evaluating sources of information

Key terms: Contracts Language use 1: Nouns ending in-or and – ee Language use 2: Verb + -ing form Text analysis: Persuasive writing and speaking

Language use 3: Phrases referring to evidence

Headway Intermediate Pronunciation Unit 2

ILEC Writing Skills & strategies Part II

Individual consultations on writing tasks and other areas which need attention

4

Employment

Law

Introduction to employment law EU directives on employment

A sex discrimination case Unfair dismissal

An employment tribunal claim Liability risks

Attachments and formality Advising on advantages and disadvantages in an email

Agreeing and disagreeing

Key terms: Employment

Language use: Expressing an opinion, agreeing and disagreeing

Headway Intermediate Pronunciation Unit 3

ILEC Speaking Skills & strategies Part II

Individual consultations on writing tasks and other areas which need attention

5

English Law

The Sources of English Law Riley, English for Law Ch 2. part 1

Common Law Riley, English for Law Ch 2. part 2

Viewpoints in Law Unit 1

Viewpoints in Law Unit 1 writing

Discussion: Comparison of Civil and Common Law Systems

Techniques for inferring word meanings Riley EFL Ch 2 Pp 18-19

Headway Intermediate Pronunciation Unit 4

Practice ILEC Test ll

Individual consultations on writing tasks and other areas which need attention

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Module C Sale of Goods, Real Property, Intellectual Property, Negotiable Instruments, the US Legal System

Week Organising

Principle

Reading 1 Reading 2 Listening Writing Speaking Language/vocabulary Language/

grammar

Pronunciation Test

Preparation

Consultations

1

Sale of

Goods

Introduction to sale of goods legislation

Retention of title

Legal writing seminar on drafting clauses. A case brief

A case brief

A case brief

Key terms: Sale of goods Language use 1: Terms and conditions of sale Text analysis: A case brief

Language use 2: Talking about corresponding laws and institutions

Headway Intermediate Pronunciation Unit 5

Introduction to the ILEC test ILEC Reading skills & strategies IIl

Individual consultations on writing tasks and other areas which need attention

2

Real

property law

Introduction to property law A law firm’s practice areas

Understanding a lease or tenancy agreement Case review Reference email

Easements Buying a house in Spain

Describing a firm’s practice areas Summarising and requesting

Presentation: an aspect of real property law Case discussion

Key terms: Parties referred to in real property law Language use 1: contrasting ideas Language use 2: Classifying and distinguishing types or categories

Language use 3: Giving a presentation – structuring and signaling transitions

Headway Intermediate Pronunciation Unit 6

ILEC Listening Skills & strategies Part IlI

Individual consultations on writing tasks and other areas which need attention

3

Intellectual

Property

Introduction to intellectual property The State Street case

Business method patents Trade-mark statutes

Training of junior lawyers Discussing issues – copyright and fair use

Notes for a case brief Paraphrasing in plain language

Paraphrasing in plain language Phrases for discussions

Key terms: intellectual property

Text analysis: discourse markers as sentence openers

Headway Intermediate Pronunciation Unit 7

ILEC Writing Skills & strategies Part IIl

Individual consultations on writing tasks and other areas which need attention

4

Negotiable

instruments

Introduction to negotiable instruments Promissory note

Legislation governing electronic negotiable instruments

Drafting a promissory note Advice from a senior partner

Summarising requirements Providing advice and making suggestions

Describing the legal situation: usury Explaining ideas to a client

Key terms: negotiable instruments

Language use: making suggestions and recommendations

Headway Intermediate Pronunciation Unit 8

ILEC Speaking Skills & strategies Part III

Individual consultations on writing tasks and other areas which need attention

5

US Law The US Legal System Part 1

The US Legal System Part 2

Viewpoints in Law Unit 2

Viewpoints in Law Unit 2 writing

Discussion: Comparison of UK, US and Australian Legal Systems

Riley, Vocabulary for Law, p13-14 Adjectives

Connecting Clauses Thompson Chapter 3

Headway Intermediate Pronunciation Unit 9

Practice ILEC Test lll

Individual consultations on writing tasks and other areas which need attention

C:\Documents and Settings\adelep\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\UX08N3S6\Curriculum Overview revision English for law (2).doc

Module D

Competition Law, Secured Transactions, Debtor-Creditor, Public International Law

Wk Organising

Principle

Reading

Reading 2 Listening Writing Speaking Language/Vocabulary Language/

Grammar

Pronunciation Test

preparation

Consultations

1

Competition

Law

Introduction to competition law Anti-competitive activities and antitrust measures in the EU

A high-profile antitrust case Report on changes in merger regulation

Advising on competition law risks Merger control

Using passive constructions A proposal An informative email

Giving opinions: a competition law case

Key terms: anti-competitive activity. Text analysis: a proposal

Language use: Warning a client of risks

Headway Intermediate Pronunciation Unit 10

Introduction to the ILEC test ILEC Reading skills & strategies IV

Individual consultations on writing tasks and other areas which need attention

2

Secured

Transactions

Introduction to secured transactions A security agreement Seminar on revised legislation

Internal email An unsettled area of the law

Creating a security interest Intellectual property in secured transactions

A polite refusal

Requesting and presenting information

Key terms: Comparing and contrasting concepts Language use 1: Anticipating events and planning contingencies Text analysis: Formality/Adverb-verb collocations

Language use 2: requesting information

Headway Intermediate Pronunciation Unit 11

ILEC Listening Skills & strategies Part IV

Individual consultations on writing tasks and other areas which need attention

3

Debtor-

creditor

Introduction to debtor-creditor Statutes governing attachment A career as an insolvency practitioner

Job opportunities in insolvency Making a case

Protecting assets from judicial liens. A job interview

A covering letter A thank-you note

Discussing insolvency work A job interview Discussion on restructuring

Key terms: Types of liens

Text analysis: A covering letter

Headway Intermediate Pronunciation Unit 12

ILEC Writing skills & strategies Part IV

Individual consultations on writing tasks and other areas which need attention

4.

Public

International

law

Human Rights Riley, English for Law Ch 10. part 1

Human Rights Riley EFL Ch 10. part 2

War Crimes Trials Waters, P 79

Paraphrasing and synthesizing. Waters, The UN’s peacekeeping role, pp 66-67

Interaction of Human Rights Agreements and Domestic Law

Word forms For legal terms Riley EFL Ch 10. part 2

Language of Fact and Opinion Riley EFL Ch 10. part 2

Headway Intermediate Pronunciation Unit 13

ILEC Speaking skills & strategies Part IV

Individual consultations on writing tasks and other areas which need attention

5.

Public

International

law

Use of Force and Espionage (Rainbow Warrior) Riley, English for Law Ch 11. part 1

Use of Force and Espionage Riley, Ch 11 part2t

John D’Souza The Invasion of Iraq and International Law

Summary Writing: Arguments for and against the legality of the invasion of Iraq

The Role and Power of the UN and International Law

Riley, Vocabulary for Law, p15-18 Verbs

Relative Clauses Thompson Chapter 7

Headway Intermediate Pronunciation Unit 14

Practice ILEC Test lV

Individual consultations on writing tasks and other areas which need attention

===

Sample English for Law Timetable

Week 4 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

9.00-11.00 Week Theme Intellectual Property

Reading/discussion: The State Street Case /Vocabulary and key terms

General English Language/Grammar- Discourse analysis – markers and openers

Paraphrasing in plain language – functional language for discussions

Reading – Business Methods, patents, trademark statutes

IELC practice test skills and strategies

11.30 – 1.30

Listening – Training of Junior Lawyers – copyright issues and fair use

General English Pronunciation –Contrastive stress+ speaking practice

Writing – Paraphrasing and taking notes for a case brief

Language Work – key terms Comparing and contrasting language

Revision work

Free Time Access to Learning Library (LSU) is available

Access to Learning Library (LSU) is available

Sports: Tennis/Gym Access to Learning Library ( LSU) is available

Beach trip

Sample Advanced Business English Level

Week 2 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

9.00-11.00 Theme - Change

Coursebook work – Business Result – Discussing work practices/ working with words

Coursebook work- Giving a formal presentation – key expressions

Grammar work – advanced tense use + modifiers Practice work

Media Studies – news and discussion of current events

Case Study – group work – Planning Office Space

11.30 - 1.30

Project work – Making a Commercial

Language Lab – Listening to a meeting and responding

Guest Presenter – Leadership Challenges

Presentations – Students present a topic individually or in pairs

Review of week

Free Time Access to Learning Library (LSU) is available

Business Excursion – The Stock Exchange

Sports: Tennis/Gym Access to Learning Library ( LSU) is available

Beach trip

         

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