Learning objectives
The module aims to provide students with the knowledge of the main technical expressions in the English language, with reference to the most important legal institutions of public international law.
Through class attendance and the study of the suggested material, the student acquires the construe legal discourses using the technical terminology analyzed: both for a better understanding of scientific documents, judgments, judicial acts and regulations issued by public authorities, and for the writing of a scientific or professional texts.
Prerequisites
In order to take the Legal English exam the student are required to have passed the English language exam (Abilità linguistica)
Course unit content
The module aims to provide the knowledge of the English technical terminology pertaining to public international law.
Special attention will be paid to issues such as subjects and sources of international law, and the law of treaties. Through the critical study of some major decisions of international courts and tribunals, such as the International Court of Justice, the European Court of Human Rights, and international criminal tribunals, students gain familiarity with the expressions and words used to indicate the most important legal institutions of this legal system.
Full programme
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Bibliography
Educational materials are made available to the students through the publication on the web site of the Department. In particular:
• Judgments which are examined;
• Short commentaries;
• A short glossary of explanation with definitions of technical expressions and word that receive major attention within the course.
Teaching methods
The teaching activity of the course is conducted through lectures. The lessons are focused on interaction between teacher and students in the analysis of texts object of the course and on the use of multimedia tools. Therefore, active participation to lectures by the students is required.
Assessment methods and criteria
Written exam. The student will receive three tests (one for the Criminal Law module; one for the Civil Law module; one for the International Law module). Every test consists of ten multiple choice questions. In order to pass the exam the student needs to pass all three tests (the student will pass the test if he does not make more than two mistakes for each test).
The questions are aimed at assessing:
• The understanding of legal concepts in the English language;
• The ability of the student to understand the legal text;
• The ability to introduce legal concepts in the English language in a more organic discourse
Other information
Since the academic year 2009-2010 the students who pass either the exam of Economics and Law, or the exam of European and Comparative Criminal Law, or the exam of European and International Labor Law will automatically acquire the 3 credits of Legal English
