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June 29—August 14, 2009
Application deadline May 22, 2009
To Apply:
1. Online Application or
2. Download the Application (PDF)
Program
The English for Legal Studies (ELS) program is a seven week non-credit
academic legal English program. It is designed for non-native speakers
of English who have been accepted into a competitive U.S. law
school, most typically for an LL.M program. The focus is on the
language and academic skills needed to succeed in a rigorous
LL.M program. Students who are not attending the University of Michigan
in the Fall term are expected to have a minimum score of 580 on the
paper-based TOEFL or 92 on the
Internet-based TOEFL in order to be considered for admission.
The ELS program provides approximately 20 hours of instruction
per week. Classes meet Monday through Friday and are scheduled
between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Students are expected to participate
regularly in class and complete daily homework. Small class size
and student-teacher conferences provide opportunities for individual
attention. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion
of the program.
ELS also provides opportunities for students to become familiar
with the American legal system and law school culture. This emphasis
has been adopted to facilitate the students' transition
into a fall law program. Students can expect to gain a wider
understanding of the U.S. university system, professor expectations,
and student responsibilities.
Because of the nature of the classes, students are required
to attend the entire program. However, permission to arrive up
to two days late may be given in special circumstances.
The ELS program is committed to extending the students' use
of English beyond the classroom. Staff members plan a variety
of activities, including social gatherings, sports events, and
field trips that provide students with opportunities to use English
in both social and educational settings. In addition, students
are considered fully enrolled in the University of Michigan and
have access to all libraries and computing centers on campus.
ELS Course Descriptions:
Researching Legal Issues
This course provides an introduction to academic legal research paper writing. The emphasis of this course is on the linguistic and rhetorical aspects of legal research papers, including reading strategies for understanding cases. Analyses of published articles are the starting point for work on a student research project. Through the course, students use this project to improve their skills in creating a strong introduction, organizing information, defining terms, making claims of appropriate strength, summarizing the work of others, as well as using advanced grammar. At the end of the course, students present their work to other program members and staff.
Academic Legal Presentations
The focus of this speaking course is on individual presentations, including understanding different speech types, deciding relevant content, choosing appropriate organizational patterns, and developing a clear speaking style. Students receive individual feedback on their speeches and receive training in producing effective visual aids. Through group work and negotiation activities, new vocabulary and signposting language is introduced. Pronunciation work is provided as necessary.
Lecture Series: American Law
This course is designed to help students improve the skills they will need during their law classes. With pre-assigned reading of legal cases, coverage of the most commonly used legal terminology, and exposure to extended lectures, students will be introduced to topics and cases dealing with United States common law, statutory law and constitutional law. Through these lectures, students will have the opportunity to discuss issues and ask questions, and will be encouraged to experiment with different note-taking styles. After lectures, students will summarize the content from their notes and receive feedback on their understanding of key points.
Speaker and Field Trip Series
Program participants have the opportunity both to attend a series
of lectures on law and to participate in law-related field trips.
Speaker topics have included criminal law, international business
law, student life, copyright and patent law and discrimination.
Field trips have included visits to the prosecutor's office,
federal court, and the student legal aid office.
Adjustment to the United States Workshops
In addition to the formal legal courses, several workshops will be held during the first weeks of the program. These workshops will cover topics and linguistic skills relevant to adjusting to a new country, such as social situations, phone interactions, and negotiations with landlords.
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