Last update: April 13, 2023

Course Schedules

Summer 2023 courses run from May 15 to August 4. For further information as to courses or scheduling, please contact us.

Course Title Credits Instructor Day/Time Room
International Development Law and Policy: Writing Seminar 3     Johnathan McCaskill     Monday, 18:45-20:45 611
Evidence  3 Tina Saunders     Tuesday, 18:45-21:30     611
Legal Research and Writing 3 Mason Hester Wednesday, 18:45-21:30  611
Property 3 Kyle Reykalin Thursday, 18:45-21:30 611
Guided Research 2 or 3 Tina Saunders    

Note: The schedule is subject to change. Courses are held in-person with online accommodation.


Course Descriptions

This tentative course schedule is subject to change.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LAW AND POLICY: WRITING SEMINAR (3 credits)

This course will examine how law and legal institutions shape economic, political and social development in both theory and practice. We will look at some key texts and debates to understand the theoretical foundations of the field. We will also look at development practice from a lawyer's perspective, drawing on examples from both developed and developing countries. These case studies will help us critically examine questions such as:  Do urban slum residents have the same access to justice as their wealthier neighbors? Which corporate structures should a developing economy adopt? Do intellectual property rights form a barrier to improving public health? What is the rule of law and why are economists promoting it? The aim of the course is not to find definitive answers to development questions. Rather, students will be encouraged to think broadly and deeply about development and how law relates to it. This course satisfies the graduation advanced writing requirement.


EVIDENCE (3 credits)

An examination of the rules governing the use of evidence, including problems of relevancy, hearsay, impeachment, burden of proof, presumptions and the function of judge and jury. Note: This subject is heavily tested U.S. Bar Examinations.


LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING (3 credits)

This course explores legal research, writing, and advocacy. After being introduced to the U.S. legal system and basic research techniques (including on-line databases such as LexisNexis), students work on assigned problems to develop their writing and analytical skills. The program aims to develop basic legal research and writing skills in a hands-on seminar style atmosphere. This course is required of all US Law LLM students. For LLM and Certificate students only.


PROPERTY (3 credits)

This course explores the basic relationships in forms of real and personal property ownership and considers the devices for transferring ownership of property. The topics covered will include modes of acquisition (e.g., capture, find, creation), adverse possession, present possessory estates and future interests, co-ownership of property, and marital property. Note: This subject is tested on many U.S. Bar Examinations.


GUIDED RESEARCH (2-3 credits)

This independent research offers students an opportunity to (1) satisfy the graduation advanced writing and research requirements for J.D. and LL.M. students; (2) develop research, writing and analytical abilities through producing a single substantive research paper; and (3) work with a faculty member in an area of the teacher's interest or expertise. Students have a faculty member agree to supervise them and must submit a signed Approval form to the Registrar to request participation. This course has limited enrollment.

*Learn more about faculty here