English


INTERNATIONAL LAW (ENGLISH) PROGRAMME
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Name of the Course Unit Code Year Semester In-Class Hours (T+P) Credit ECTS Credit
LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING-I LAW117 1 1 3+0 3.0 4.0


General Information
Language of Instruction English
Level of the Course Unit Bachelor's Degree, TYYÇ: Level 6, EQF-LLL: Level 6, QF-EHEA: First Cycle
Type of the Course Compulsory
Mode of Delivery of the Course Unit Face-to-face
Work Placement(s) Requirement for the Course Unit Yes
Coordinator of the Course Unit Dr. ALTAY İLTAN AKTÜRK
Instructor(s) of the Course Unit Dr. DEVRİM ŞAHİN
Assistant(s) of the Course Unit

Prerequisites and/or co-requisities of the course unit
CATEGORY OF THE COURSE UNIT
Category of the Course Unit Degree of Contribution (%)
Fundamental Course in the field % 100
Course providing specialised skills to the main field -
Course providing supportive skills to the main field -
Course providing humanistic, communication and management skills -
Course providing transferable skills -

Objectives and Contents
Objectives of the Course Unit Developing Research Skills: One primary objective is to teach students how to conduct effective legal research. This includes using various legal databases, understanding legal citations, and finding relevant statutes, cases, and other legal materials. Understanding Legal Writing Styles: The course often aims to familiarize students with the conventions and styles of legal writing. This includes drafting legal memoranda, briefs, and other legal documents in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner. Analyzing and Interpreting Legal Authorities: Students are expected to learn how to analyze and interpret legal authorities such as statutes, regulations, and case law. This involves understanding the hierarchy of legal sources and determining the relevance of different authorities to a given legal issue. Citation Skills: Proper citation is crucial in legal writing. Students are typically taught the rules and conventions of legal citation (often using a style guide like The Bluebook or the ALWD Citation Manual) to ensure accuracy and precision in their work. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Legal research and writing require strong critical thinking skills. Students are encouraged to analyze complex legal issues, identify legal arguments, and develop strategies for presenting their arguments persuasively. Drafting Legal Documents: Practical skills in drafting legal documents, such as contracts, pleadings, and motions, are often a focus. This includes understanding the structure of these documents and conveying legal arguments effectively. Effective Communication: The course aims to enhance students' ability to communicate legal concepts and arguments clearly and persuasively. This includes both written and, in some cases, oral communication skills. Ethical Considerations: Understanding and applying legal ethics is another important aspect. Students may explore the ethical considerations involved in legal research and writing, including issues related to plagiarism, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest. Legal Technology Competence: Given the increasing reliance on technology in the legal field, students may be introduced to legal research tools, databases, and other technologies that enhance efficiency and accuracy in legal research and writing. Feedback and Revision: Learning to accept and use feedback for continuous improvement is a key objective. Students may be required to revise their work based on constructive feedback from instructors or peers.
Contents of the Course Unit 1. **Introduction to Legal Research:** - Overview of legal research methodologies. - Understanding the structure of legal authorities (statutes, case law, regulations). 2. **Legal Research Tools:** - Introduction to legal research databases and online resources. - Training on using tools such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and other legal research platforms. - Accessing and using library resources. 3. **Legal Writing Fundamentals:** - Principles of effective legal writing. - Grammar, syntax, and style in legal writing. - Drafting clear and concise legal documents. 4. **Legal Citation:** - Introduction to legal citation styles (e.g., The Bluebook or ALWD Citation Manual). - Proper citation of statutes, cases, regulations, and other legal authorities. 5. **Analytical Skills:** - Developing critical thinking skills in legal analysis. - Identifying legal issues and relevant facts. - Constructing legal arguments. 6. **Drafting Legal Documents:** - Structuring and drafting legal memoranda. - Drafting legal briefs, motions, and pleadings. - Writing client letters and other legal correspondence. 7. **Ethical Considerations in Legal Research and Writing:** - Understanding and applying legal ethics. - Avoiding plagiarism and maintaining academic integrity. - Confidentiality and conflicts of interest in legal writing. 8. **Legal Technology:** - Introduction to legal research software and tools. - Use of technology in legal writing and document preparation. 9. **Legal Analysis and Reasoning:** - Application of legal principles to specific fact patterns. - Case briefing and legal analysis exercises. 10. **Practical Exercises and Assignments:** - Conducting legal research on assigned topics. - Drafting legal documents based on hypothetical scenarios. - Peer review and feedback on written assignments. 11. **Oral Advocacy Skills (optional):** - Presentation and argumentation skills. - Moot court exercises or simulated oral arguments. 12. **Legal Writing Workshops:** - Interactive sessions focusing on specific writing skills and techniques. - Peer editing and review sessions. 13. **Legal Research and Writing Project:** - A major research and writing project that allows students to apply the skills learned throughout the course to a real-world legal problem. These content areas collectively provide students with a comprehensive understanding of legal research and writing, preparing them for the practical demands of legal practice. The course often emphasizes a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application through hands-on exercises and assignments.
Contribution of the Course Intending to Provide the Professional Education The Legal Research and Writing course plays a crucial role in providing professional education to individuals pursuing careers in the legal field. 1. **Development of Core Legal Skills:** - The course contributes to the development of fundamental legal skills, including legal research, analysis, and writing. These skills are essential for success in legal practice. 2. **Preparation for Legal Practice:** - By focusing on practical aspects of legal research and writing, the course prepares students for the day-to-day demands of legal practice. Graduates are equipped with the skills needed to engage in effective legal research and to draft clear, persuasive legal documents. 3. **Ethical Awareness and Professional Conduct:** - The course often addresses ethical considerations in legal research and writing, fostering awareness of professional conduct. This includes understanding the importance of confidentiality, avoiding plagiarism, and maintaining high ethical standards in legal practice. 4. **Effective Communication Skills:** - Legal research and writing involve the development of strong communication skills. Graduates of the course are better equipped to articulate legal arguments clearly, whether in writing or orally, which is crucial for effective advocacy in a professional setting. 5. **Technology Integration:** - As legal practice becomes increasingly reliant on technology, the course introduces students to legal research tools and software. This contribution ensures that graduates are technologically competent and can leverage tools for efficient legal research and document preparation. 6. **Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:** - The course emphasizes critical thinking skills by requiring students to analyze legal issues, identify relevant facts, and construct sound legal arguments. This capacity for critical thinking is invaluable in addressing complex legal problems in professional practice. 7. **Preparation for Advanced Legal Studies:** - For those pursuing advanced legal studies or entering law school, the Legal Research and Writing course serves as a foundation. It introduces students to the methodologies and expectations of legal research and writing at a more advanced level. 8. **Professional Writing Proficiency:** - The course contributes to the development of strong writing proficiency in a legal context. Graduates are better positioned to produce well-organized, logically structured, and legally sound written documents. 9. **Real-World Application:** - Through practical exercises, assignments, and projects, the course encourages students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. This hands-on experience is invaluable for transitioning from academic learning to professional practice. 10. **Feedback and Improvement:** - The course often involves feedback mechanisms, such as peer reviews and instructor feedback on written assignments. This iterative process helps students refine their skills and learn from constructive criticism, promoting continuous improvement. 11. **Cultural Competence and Diversity Awareness:** - Legal research and writing courses may incorporate considerations of cultural competence and diversity, helping students understand the importance of these aspects in the legal profession.

No
Key Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit
On successful completion of this course unit, students/learners will or will be able to:
1 Demonstrate proficiency in using legal research tools, databases, and libraries.
2 Develop the ability to identify and access relevant primary and secondary legal sources.
3 Apply critical thinking skills to analyze legal issues and identify relevant legal principles.
4 Synthesize information from various sources to form well-reasoned legal arguments.

Learning Activities & Teaching Methods of the Course Unit
Learning Activities & Teaching Methods of the Course Unit

Weekly Course Contents and Study Materials for Preliminary & Further Study
Week Topics (Subjects) Preparatory & Further Activities
1 Introduction to Legal Research and Writing

Overview of the legal research process
Introduction to legal writing techniques
Understanding the importance of legal research in legal practice
No file found
2 Introduction to Legal Research and Writing

Overview of the legal research process
Introduction to legal writing techniques
Understanding the importance of legal research in legal practice
No file found
3 Legal Research Tools and Databases

Training on using legal databases and online resources
Effective use of law libraries
Case law research and statutory research
No file found
4 Legal Research Tools and Databases

Training on using legal databases and online resources
Effective use of law libraries
Case law research and statutory research
No file found
5 Legal Writing Fundamentals

Basics of legal writing style and structure
Drafting legal memoranda
Citation techniques (Bluebook or other citation styles)
No file found
6 Legal Writing Fundamentals

Basics of legal writing style and structure
Drafting legal memoranda
Citation techniques (Bluebook or other citation styles)
No file found
7 midterm No file found
8 Advanced Legal Research Strategies

Specialized legal research for different legal areas (e.g., contracts, criminal law, constitutional law)
Use of secondary legal sources
Researching administrative law and regulations
No file found
9 Advanced Legal Research Strategies

Specialized legal research for different legal areas (e.g., contracts, criminal law, constitutional law)
Use of secondary legal sources
Researching administrative law and regulations
No file found
10 Legal Analysis and Brief Writing

Developing analytical skills in legal writing
Crafting persuasive legal arguments
Writing legal briefs and motions
No file found
11 Legal Analysis and Brief Writing

Developing analytical skills in legal writing
Crafting persuasive legal arguments
Writing legal briefs and motions
No file found
12 Oral Advocacy and Legal Writing

Techniques for effective oral advocacy
Preparing and delivering legal arguments
Final project: Moot court or simulated legal case
No file found
13 Oral Advocacy and Legal Writing

Techniques for effective oral advocacy
Preparing and delivering legal arguments
Final project: Moot court or simulated legal case
No file found
14 Final No file found

SOURCE MATERIALS & RECOMMENDED READING
1-Concise Guide to Legal Research and Writing, Fourth Edition
2- Learning Legal Analysis Through Its Components: Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion—IRAC

MATERIAL SHARING
Course Notes No file found
Presentations No file found
Homework No file found
Exam Questions & Solutions No file found
Useful Links No file found
Video and Visual Materials No file found
Other No file found
Announcements No file found

CONTRIBUTION OF THE COURSE UNIT TO THE PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES
KNOWLEDGE
Theoretical
No PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION*
0 1 2 3 4 5
1 legal knowledge X
2 legal system understanding X
3 codes and regulations X
4 ethics X
Factual
No PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION*
0 1 2 3 4 5
1 ability to analyze situations X
2 ability understand and define consequences X
3 Provide students with an understanding of sources of law. X
4 extensive instruction in legal research and technology offerings, including the use of electronic databases. X
SKILLS
Cognitive
No PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION*
0 1 2 3 4 5
1 Information Processing X
2 compare and analyze circumstances X
3 recognize patterns and occurances X
4 attention to details X
Practical
No PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION*
0 1 2 3 4 5
1 debate X
2 active listening skills and effective written and oral communication skills. X
3 practical training to draft legal documents X
4 practical training to enhance their professional knowledge X
PERSONAL & OCCUPATIONAL COMPETENCES IN TERMS OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING GROUPS
Autonomy & Responsibility
No PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION*
0 1 2 3 4 5
1 legal research skills X
2 reading and writing skills X
3 organize seminars and conferences X
4 project management skills X
Learning to Learn
No PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION*
0 1 2 3 4 5
1 The overall program goal is the education, training, and development of students thereby fostering an understanding and appreciation of the law, ethical responsibilities, and practical training to enhance their personal and professional ability to adapt and grow with changes in the legal environment. X
Occupational and/or Vocational
No PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION*
0 1 2 3 4 5
1 The overall program goal is the education, training, and development of students X
2 develop an understanding and appreciation of the law, X
3 to foster ethical responsibilities, and practical training to enhance their personal and professional ability to grow with changes in the legal environment. X
4 Prepare students to become an integral part of the legal team. X
*Level of Contribution (0-5): Empty-Null (0), 1- Very Low, 2- Low, 3- Medium, 4- High, 5- Very High

No
Key Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit
On successful completion of this course unit, students/learners will or will be able to:
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES
1 Demonstrate proficiency in using legal research tools, databases, and libraries.
2 Develop the ability to identify and access relevant primary and secondary legal sources.
3 Apply critical thinking skills to analyze legal issues and identify relevant legal principles.
4 Synthesize information from various sources to form well-reasoned legal arguments.

Assessment
Assessment & Grading of In-Term Activities Number of
Activities
Degree of Contribution (%)
Mid-Term Exam 1 % 40
Computer Based Presentation 0 -
Short Exam 0 -
Presentation of Report 0 -
Homework Assessment 0 -
Oral Exam 0 -
Presentation of Thesis 0 -
Presentation of Document 0 -
Expert Assessment 0 -
Board Exam 1 % 60
Practice Exam 0 -
Year-End Final Exam 0 -
Internship Exam 0 -
TOTAL 2 %100
Contribution of In-Term Assessments to Overall Grade 2 %50
Contribution of Final Exam to Overall Grade 1 %50
TOTAL 3 %100


WORKLOAD & ECTS CREDITS OF THE COURSE UNIT
Workload for Learning & Teaching Activities
Type of the Learning Activites Learning Activities
(# of week)
Duration
(hours, h)
Workload (h)
Lecture & In-Class Activities 14 0 0
Preliminary & Further Study 14 0 0
Land Surveying 0 0 0
Group Work 0 0 0
Laboratory 0 0 0
Reading 0 0 0
Assignment (Homework) 0 0 0
Project Work 0 0 0
Seminar 0 0 0
Internship 0 0 0
Technical Visit 0 0 0
Web Based Learning 0 0 0
Implementation/Application/Practice 0 0 0
Practice at a workplace 0 0 0
Occupational Activity 0 0 0
Social Activity 0 0 0
Thesis Work 0 0 0
Field Study 0 0 0
Report Writing 0 0 0
Total Workload for Learning & Teaching Activities - - 0
Workload for Assessment Activities
Type of the Assessment Activites # of Assessment Activities
Duration
(hours, h)
Workload (h)
Final Exam 1 0 0
Preparation for the Final Exam 0 0 0
Mid-Term Exam 1 0 0
Preparation for the Mid-Term Exam 0 0 0
Short Exam 0 0 0
Preparation for the Short Exam 0 0 0
Total Workload for Assessment Activities - - 0
Total Workload of the Course Unit - - 0
Workload (h) / 25.5 0.0
ECTS Credits allocated for the Course Unit 4.0

EBS : Kıbrıs İlim Üniversitesi Eğitim Öğretim Bilgi Sistemi Kıbrıs İlim Üniversitesi AKTS Bilgi Paketi AKTS Bilgi Paketi ECTS Information Package Avrupa Kredi Transfer Sistemi (AKTS/ECTS), Avrupa Yükseköğretim Alanı (Bologna Süreci) hedeflerini destekleyen iş yükü ve öğrenme çıktılarına dayalı öğrenci/öğrenme merkezli öğretme ve öğrenme yaklaşımı çerçevesinde yükseköğretimde uluslarası saydamlığı arttırmak ve öğrenci hareketliliği ile öğrencilerin yurtdışında gördükleri öğrenimleri kendi ülkelerinde tanınmasını kolaylaştırmak amacıyla Avrupa Komisyonu tarafından 1989 yılında Erasmus Programı (günümüzde Yaşam Boyu Öğrenme Programı) kapsamında geliştirilmiş ve Avrupa ülkeleri tarafından yaygın olarak kabul görmüş bir kredi sistemidir. AKTS, aynı zamanda, yükseköğretim kurumlarına, öğretim programları ve ders içeriklerinin iş yüküne bağlı olarak kolay anlaşılabilir bir yapıda tasarlanması, uygulanması, gözden geçirilmesi, iyileştirilmesi ve bu sayede yükseköğretim programlarının kalitesinin geliştirilmesine ve kalite güvencesine önemli katkı sağlayan bir sistematik yaklaşım sunmaktadır. ETIS : İstanbul Aydın University Education & Training System Cyprus Science University ECTS Information Package ECTS Information Package European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) which was introduced by the European Council in 1989, within the framework of Erasmus, now part of the Life Long Learning Programme, is a student-centered credit system based on the student workload required to achieve the objectives of a programme specified in terms of learning outcomes and competences to be acquired. The implementation of ECTS has, since its introduction, has been found wide acceptance in the higher education systems across the European Countries and become a credit system and an indispensable tool supporting major aims of the Bologna Process and, thus, of European Higher Education Area as it makes teaching and learning in higher education more transparent across Europe and facilitates the recognition of all studies. The system allows for the transfer of learning experiences between different institutions, greater student mobility and more flexible routes to gain degrees. It also offers a systematic approach to curriculum design as well as quality assessment and improvement and, thus, quality assurance.