Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
14517:[2025 Fall]Special Lectures in English(High-Intermediate) (JC) § 14518:Special Lectures in English(High-Intermediate) (JC) 2025 Fall Wed3 College　Of　Law WOLF MICHAEL L.、SATO WATARU 2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

KOGAKUKAN　KO102

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

The primary focus of this course is to introduce students to the fundamental principles of the common law, and the vocabulary related to such topics. We will discuss subjects including sources of the common law and differences between common law and civil law countries, using US case law as examples.

Students will take short tests for each unit and give a presentation individually on the topic they are interested in. In principle, test results and feedback will be given the following week in class.

Students who intend to study law abroad are strongly encouraged to enroll in this course.

Students are required to participate in every class.

Student Attainment Objectives

Students will learn the fundamental legal principles of common law countries.
Students will expand their legal vocabulary through reading assignments, writing exercises, conversations, and analysis of case law.
Students will discuss current legal and political events occurring in common law countries.

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors) Theme
Keyword, References and Supplementary Information
1 (Wolf&Sato)

Introduction to the common law

The U.S. Constitution, the branches of government; the U.S. political and legal systems

【+R-Jugyo】For details, refer to manaba +R

2 (Sato)

Criminal Case (1)

Key terms & concepts; Practice in law

3 (Wolf)

Criminal Case (2)

Key terms & concepts; Practice in law

4 (Sato)

Intellectual Property Case (1)

Key terms & concepts; Practice in law

5 (Wolf)

Intellectual Property Case (2)

Key terms & concepts; Practice in law

6 (Wolf&Sato)

Presentations and Test 1

Presentations
Comments
Test

7 (Sato)

Contract Case (1)

Key terms & concepts; Practice in law

8 (Wolf)

Contract Case (2)

Key terms & concepts; Practice in law

9 (Sato)

Tort Case (1)

Key terms & concepts; Practice in law

10 (Wolf)

Tort Case (2)

Key terms & concepts; Practice in law

11 (Wolf&Sato)

Presentations and Test 2

Presentations
Comments
Test

12 (Sato)

Free Speech Case (1)

Key terms & concepts; Practice in law

13 (Wolf)

Free Speech Case (2)

Key terms & concepts; Practice in law

14 (Wolf&Sato)

Presentations and Test 3

Presentations
Comments
Test

Class Format

All class sessions will be face-to-face.

Recommendations for Private Study

Assignments are to be completed before the start of class, so that students can answer questions from the instructors and actively participate in class discussions.

Grade Evaluation Method

Kind Percentage Grading Criteria etc.
Final Examination (Written)

Report Examination
(A report to be submitted by the unified deadline)

Exams and/or Reports other than those stated above, and Continuous Assessment　
(Evaluation of Everyday Performance in Class)		 100

Class participation and in-class work 10%

Tests 30%

Presentations 30%

Writing assignments 30%

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Students are required to attend at least two thirds of the classes.

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

Textbooks

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

There is no textbook for this course.

Reference Books

Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）

Web Pages for Reference

How to Communicate with the Instructor In and Out of Class(Including Instructor Contact Information)

Learning Management System （manaba+R）,Talk with Students,Other (Separate instructions will be provided)

Other Comments

1. You may contact Professor Sato by email at wsato(at)law.ritsumei.ac.jp any time with questions, or to make an appointment to visit his office at 尽2F room 906.

2. You may contact Professor Wolf by email at wolf(at)fc.ritsumei.ac.jp any time with questions, or to make an appointment to visit his office at 修4F room 492.

3. If you are absent, you are responsible for contacting another class member or the professor to find out what you missed, and the homework due before the next class.

4. All students are required to check their email and manaba+R regularly for class updates and announcements.
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