ALL DIPLOMAS ENGLISH COMMUNICATION FOR LAW, SEMESTER 1 ECLAW 102. Ms M.R. Maziwisa. Ms L. Masango. Mr. M. N Mapondera

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1 ZIMBABWE INSTITUTE OF LEGAL STUDIES Dominion House, 211 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe P.O.Box CY 1288, Causeway, Harare Phone: ALL DIPLOMAS ENGLISH COMMUNICATION FOR LAW, SEMESTER 1 ECLAW 102 Ms M.R. Maziwisa Ms L. Masango Mr. M. N Mapondera

2 GENERAL INFORMATION LECTURERS: Ms. M. Maziwisa, LLB (SA) LLM (SA/GER); Ms L.Masango, LLB (Fort Hare), LLM (UCT); Mr. M.N Mapondera, LLB (MSU), Human Rights in Africa, postgrad, (UP), International Criminal Law, postgrad (ILI-ACLE) CONTACT: COURSE NAME: ENGLISH AND COMMUNICATION FOR LAW ALL DIPLOMAS

3 I. OVERVIEW English Communication for Law is a first semester foundational course across all diplomas offered at ZILS aimed at sharpening language and equipping students with effective communication skills relevant for the legal field. It is arguably the most important foundational course in practical training for all our students. English Communication for Law will also include practical skills training in drafting of legal documents and correspondence with counsel and clients. Students will be expected to be concise, clear and efficient in their communication at the end of the course. English for the purposes of learning and training at ZILS will stand on all four legs of communication; speaking, writing, listening and reading. This course will be conducted in 6 weeks of teaching while one is allocated for revision. Crucial dates and times will be communicated to students. II. ASSUMPTION OF PRIOR LEARNING Students will be expected to: Be able to read and write English coherently Be able to use Library resources Be able to learn independently III. AIMS OF THE COURSE Enhance student s English language skills Empower student to use all four aspects of effective communication namely, reading, writing, speaking and listening. Develop foundational skills of communication for law practice, drafting argumentative writing & oral submissions

4 IV. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES/OBJECTIVES In essence the student should be able to: Effectively conduct legal correspondence Be aware of the major influences affecting the process of communication Conduct academic research and reference work V. TEACHING METHODS The course will offer students various practical exercises including debates, impromptu speeches and a seminar. Students are expected to research, prepare arguments for the relevant exercise. COURSE CONTENT 1.1 WEEK 1: LANGUAGE Grammar Comprehension Exercises 1.2 WEEK 2: SUMMARY & ANALYSIS Summary and analysis 1.3 WEEK 3 : INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL READING Reading and understanding case reports & statutes Research exercise- case search and case summary writing 1.4 WEEK 4: INTRODUCTION TO LEGAL WRITING Introduction to referencing & essay layout Practical writing exercise 1.5 WEEK 5: SPEAKING EXERCISE : SEMINAR & GROUP WORK

5 1.5.1 Three presentations on selected topics in groups 1.6 WEEK 6: CORRESPONDENCE Introduction to short legal Correspondence (legal letters, memos, s) Practical writing exercise 1.7 WEEK 7: REVISION & END OF TERM TEST Revision lecture End- of -Term Test VI. ASSESSMENT This course will assess student s writing and comprehension skills, grammar, analyses and criticism, drafting, an individual speech and group presentations as shown below: Term Mark (Course Work) = Assignment + End-Term Test + Class Exercise/Group Assignment Final Mark 100%= Term Mark (30%) + Exam Mark (70%) a) Grading policy: As per ZILS Grading policy. b) 75% Attendance is required for entry to the exam. Please contact Lecturer for queries. Students must excuse themselves for all classes missed. c) All assignments and exams must be submitted in order to complete the course successfully d) Minimum of 50% in course work is required for entrance into exam. e) No cheating or plagiarism will be tolerated SPECIFIC OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ASSESSMENT TASKS Effectively utilise the four - Reading of case law, - Class exercises, crucial aspects of preparing case - essay assignments communication within the summaries, - mooting, debating and

6 profession; listening, speaking, writing and reading Draft Legal Documents and Correspondence Understand the major influences affecting the process of communication - producing simple legal briefs, essays, letters of correspondence - concise and coherent argument through group & individual speech presentation - Identify the types of documents - Submit drafts of certain processes - Understand two-way communication - Listening and understanding - Responding to aural prompts negotiation - end of term test - Class exercises - Class exercises Analyse case law and statutes - Understand key words and important elements in the text of case reports and statutes Practical element of speech - Exhibit presentation presentation and group skills presentation - Do individual and group research - Team participation - Class discussion - Class exercises - Individual Speech and Group Presentation

7 VII. RESOURCES PRESCRIBED READING: 1. Van der Walt. C, &. Nienaber A.G., (2007), English for Law Students, Lansdowne: Juta, 2. Kock A., Nienaber A., & Viljouen F., (2006), Skills Workbook for Students, Lansdowne : Juta FURTHER READING: 1. Legal Writing and Drafting, Legal Forum-Selected Articles, 2. Zimbabwe Law Review, Bulletin, 3. Dictionary of Legal Words and Phrases. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams -Eleanor Roosevelt-