Learning outcomes

Understand the main ideas of abstract and concrete texts (written and audio) with a legal focus.

Goals

-        Help the student to improve their knowledge in preparation for specialization.

-        Expand vocabulary and grammar to enable the student to participate fully in the course of comparative law taught in bloc 3 of the Bachelor's programme.

Content

The student will work on written or oral documents in English. Those documents are authentic texts/audios with a legal focus.

To a lesser extent, the course includes oral expression, aiming at improving knowledge and communication in English up to level B2, Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

Exercices

See course notes.

Teaching methods

Students enrolled in this course are expected to have reached at least A2-B1 level on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) in English by the beginning of the second semester.

At the start of the academic year, an online test is administered to assess the English proficiency of all students. Beginner students are expected to take the necessary steps to improve their English and reach the required level. Students assessed at A2 level will be directed to an optional remedial module beginning in the first semester. Details of this module will be communicated together with the test results.

The same course, DCDLB201, is offered to six different groups in order to ensure smaller class sizes and a more personalized learning experience. Students will enroll in a group themselves via WebCampus.

One Advanced group is reserved for students who achieve at least a B2 level on the test.

One Lower Intermediate group is reserved for students who achieve an A2 level on the test.

The remaining four groups are open to students regardless of their proficiency level.

The course is taught in the form of interactive seminars conducted in English. Active student participation is strongly encouraged.

Assessment method

The final grade is distributed as follows:



  • 20% – A reading and vocabulary/grammar test will be held halfway through the semester during one class session.


  • 80% – The final exam in June will assess:
  • (i) contextual understanding of the vocabulary covered in class, the course notes, and the video transcripts;
  • (ii) contextual understanding of the grammar points studied in class;
  • (iii) reading and listening comprehension of unseen B2-level texts and audio materials;
  • (iv) content from the "fil rouge" activity organised during the semester.


In the event of a second session, the student will be re-assessed on the entire course content. The August exam will then account for 100% of the final grade.


Important note: Please note that passing this course does not certify any specific level of English proficiency.


Sources, references and any support material

The course notes are available for sale; they are also in PDF version on Webcampus.

The videos discussed in class are available on Webcampus.

The thematic conference will be held on campus (in the evening at a date to be communicated).The web platform will also be used to share other documents as well as for general communication between the lecturer and the students.

Other resources are also posted on Webcampus. 

Language of instruction

English
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Philosophy Standard 2 3 No
Bachelor in Law Double bac droit-philosophie 2 3 Yes
Bachelor in Law Standard 2 3 Yes
Bachelor in Law Erasmus Belgica UHasselt 2 3 Yes
Bachelor in Law Eramus 2+2+1 2 3 Yes