Certificate in U.S. Legal Studies

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This is a two-year program designed to introduce students to core doctrines of American law. During the first year, students will enroll in courses that explore the fundamental principles underlying the U.S. legal system and prepare them for the Master of Laws program. Students may also enroll in courses designed to improve their English fluency. During the second year, students will enroll in courses to complete our Master of Laws degree.

ALI Language Courses

Students will be required to take an English placement exam at the beginning of the program. Students must complete 2 units of English language course work each semester, for a total of 4 units, unless they receive a waiver. Students may elect the ALI courses identified below that best suit their skill level.

ALI 224 Low Intermediate Oral Skills Units: 2
ALI 225 Low Intermediate Writing Skills Units: 2
ALI 234 Intermediate Oral Skills Units: 2
ALI 235 Intermediate Writing Skills Units: 2
ALI 244 High Intermediate Oral Skills Units: 2
ALI 245 High Intermediate Writing Skills Units: 2
ALI 254 Advanced Oral Skills Units: 2
ALI 255 Advanced Writing Skills Units: 2

Introduction to U.S. Legal Studies

Students will enroll in the following 16 units of LAW courses during the first year of this program. These courses will explore the fundamental principles underlying the U.S. legal system.

LAW 560 Academic and Professional Skills for U.S. Law Studies I Units: 2
LAW 561 Fundamentals of Legal Writing Skills Units: 2
LAW 562 Introduction to U.S. Legal Culture and Practice Units: 2
LAW 563 Presentation Skills for International Lawyers Units: 2
LAW 564 Persuasive Advocacy Units: 2
LAW 565 U.S. Common Law Analysis and Skills Units: 3
LAW 566 Academic and Professional Skills for U.S. Law Studies II Units: 1
LAW 890 Directed Research Units: 1, 2, 3, 4