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Ian Ayres
Whether you are an advanced law student looking to review the basics, or an aspiring law student looking for head start, this course will help you build the foundation you will need to succeed in law school and beyond. This course will introduce you to terminology, concepts, and tools lawyers and legal academics use to make their arguments. It will help you follow these arguments—and make arguments of your own.
Read more
Whether you are an advanced law student looking to review the basics, or an aspiring law student looking for head start, this course will help you build the foundation you will need to succeed in law school and beyond. This course will introduce you to terminology, concepts, and tools lawyers and legal academics use to make their arguments. It will help you follow these arguments—and make arguments of your own.
Read more
Whether you are an advanced law student looking to review the basics, or an aspiring law student looking for head start, this course will help you build the foundation you will need to succeed in law school and beyond. This course will introduce you to terminology, concepts, and tools lawyers and legal academics use to make their arguments. It will help you follow these arguments—and make arguments of your own.
This course consists of a series of short lectures and assignments. A reading list complements each lesson, providing you with a roadmap to help you explore the subject matter more deeply on your own. Although the lessons may cross-reference each other, they are modular in nature: you should feel free to approach them in whatever order fits your schedule, interests, and needs.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/bkeb6m/a
What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction
An overview of what you will learn, how it will help you, and how to get the most from it.
Categories and Distinctions
Dichotomies and oppositions that will help you categorize legal rules and frame policy questions.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction
An overview of what you will learn, how it will help you, and how to get the most from it.
Categories and Distinctions
Dichotomies and oppositions that will help you categorize legal rules and frame policy questions.
Read more
Law and . . .
Interactions between the law and academic disciplines such as economics, philosophy, and psychology.
Legal Structures
Fundamental frameworks of legal analysis and procedure.
Evidentiary Tools
Concepts from the law of evidence that can help you respond to questions and make compelling arguments
Preparation Tools
The tools you need to get the most out of law school.
Postscript
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for beginners in the field of law and legal analysis
Taught by Ian Ayres, a recognized expert in the field of law
Provides a comprehensive overview of legal terminology, concepts, and tools
Helps learners develop critical thinking and analytical skills essential for legal professionals
Suitable for aspiring law students seeking a head start or advanced students desiring a review of fundamentals
May require additional resources for a deeper understanding of specific legal topics
Save this course
Save A Law Student's Toolkit to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
A law student's framework
learners say this course is largely positive and well received for engaging assignments and helpful readings. The course is a helpful introduction for students and aspiring law students who want to learn basic legal terms, frameworks, and critical thinking skills. Taught by a knowledgeable professor, the videos are clear, concise, and interesting. Some students found it challenging but worthwhile and recommend this course to future law students and professionals.
Well designed with assignments to test reasoning
"A very detailed oriented course which will really boost the learning capacity of a law student arsenal of knowledge"
"A comprehensive variety of skills were learned during the course. I found the method of assessment particularly practical in learning to read cases and statutes efficiently then to produce concise answers."
"It covers almost all the pros and cons of law. A very useful course for a beginner law student."
Challenging and interesting course
"Challenging and interesting. Great way to refresh your basic knowledge of legal terms, processes and research."
"Fantastic course, but an estimated 10 minutes to read one or two law review articles is really unrealistic."
"Excellent course which engages our critical thinking and ability to analyse. Great toolkit to begin law studies."
Straightforward yet humorous
"The professor went in-depth in many of the topics and used a straightforward yet humorous way to do so."
"Excellent course with challenging coursework!"
"It is absolutely fabulous course. Gave the initial information I needed to have an opinion about law and even acquire knowledge that is definitely going to help me a lot. I am amazed by the course and I will be more than happy to take it again"
"Brilliant" and "amazing"
"It was a great course because this teached me a Lot of things related to Legal Science."
"Its not about how to be a great lawyer, but how to develop a fist class mindset."
"Ian Ayres never fails to amaze you with his brilliant illustrations and real-life examples. Must under-go Course."
Challenging but worthwhile
"A hard class if you get behind. But worth the time as many of the ones that come from this professor."
"Hard class if you get behind. But worth the time as many of the ones that come from this professor."
"The course is really hard at first but then I got used to the difficulty of the course."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in A Law Student's Toolkit with these
activities:
Review High School Civics
Show steps
Recall and strengthen your knowledge of basic legal principles and the history of law.
Browse courses on
Legal History
Show steps
-
Review your high school civics notes or textbooks.
-
Focus on understanding the foundations of the legal system and the key principles of law.
Review Vocabulary
Show steps
Refresh your vocabulary and core legal concepts covered in this course.
Browse courses on
Legal Terminology
Show steps
-
List out and define 10 important legal terms.
-
Review the definitions of these terms on legal websites or dictionaries.
-
Apply these terms in sample legal scenarios.
Read 'An Introduction to Legal Systems'
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of the legal systems and institutions covered in this course.
Show steps
-
Read a chapter or section of the book on a topic of interest.
-
Summarize the key points and how they relate to the topics discussed in this course.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend a Legal Mock Trial
Show steps
Witness a mock trial to gain insights into the practical application of legal principles and courtroom procedures.
Show steps
-
Find a local law school or court that offers mock trials.
-
Attend the mock trial and observe the proceedings.
-
Reflect on the experience and how it relates to your coursework.
Practice Legal Analysis
Show steps
Develop your ability to analyze legal issues and construct sound arguments.
Browse courses on
Legal Analysis
Show steps
-
Watch a tutorial on basic legal analysis.
-
Apply the steps of legal analysis to a real-world legal problem.
-
Craft a legal argument based on your analysis.
-
Review your argument with a peer or mentor for feedback.
Attend a Study Group
Show steps
Engage with classmates to discuss course material and enhance your understanding.
Show steps
-
Join or form a study group with peers.
-
Meet regularly to discuss specific topics or assignments.
-
Share notes, perspectives, and quiz each other.
Create a Legal Glossary
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of legal terms and concepts by creating your own glossary.
Browse courses on
Legal Terminology
Show steps
-
Review your notes and identify key terms.
-
Define the terms concisely and accurately.
-
Organize the terms in alphabetical order or by category.
-
Utilize the glossary as a reference tool during your coursework.
Participate in a Legal Writing Competition
Show steps
Challenge yourself by writing a legal argument or paper and competing against other students.
Browse courses on
Legal Writing
Show steps
-
Review the competition guidelines and requirements.
-
Research and select a topic that interests you.
-
Draft and edit your paper carefully.
-
Submit your paper and await the results.
Review High School Civics
Show steps
Recall and strengthen your knowledge of basic legal principles and the history of law.
Browse courses on
Legal History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your high school civics notes or textbooks.
- Focus on understanding the foundations of the legal system and the key principles of law.
Review Vocabulary
Show steps
Refresh your vocabulary and core legal concepts covered in this course.
Browse courses on
Legal Terminology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- List out and define 10 important legal terms.
- Review the definitions of these terms on legal websites or dictionaries.
- Apply these terms in sample legal scenarios.
Read 'An Introduction to Legal Systems'
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of the legal systems and institutions covered in this course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read a chapter or section of the book on a topic of interest.
- Summarize the key points and how they relate to the topics discussed in this course.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend a Legal Mock Trial
Show steps
Witness a mock trial to gain insights into the practical application of legal principles and courtroom procedures.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a local law school or court that offers mock trials.
- Attend the mock trial and observe the proceedings.
- Reflect on the experience and how it relates to your coursework.
Practice Legal Analysis
Show steps
Develop your ability to analyze legal issues and construct sound arguments.
Browse courses on
Legal Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Watch a tutorial on basic legal analysis.
- Apply the steps of legal analysis to a real-world legal problem.
- Craft a legal argument based on your analysis.
- Review your argument with a peer or mentor for feedback.
Attend a Study Group
Show steps
Engage with classmates to discuss course material and enhance your understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join or form a study group with peers.
- Meet regularly to discuss specific topics or assignments.
- Share notes, perspectives, and quiz each other.
Create a Legal Glossary
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of legal terms and concepts by creating your own glossary.
Browse courses on
Legal Terminology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes and identify key terms.
- Define the terms concisely and accurately.
- Organize the terms in alphabetical order or by category.
- Utilize the glossary as a reference tool during your coursework.
Participate in a Legal Writing Competition
Show steps
Challenge yourself by writing a legal argument or paper and competing against other students.
Browse courses on
Legal Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the competition guidelines and requirements.
- Research and select a topic that interests you.
- Draft and edit your paper carefully.
- Submit your paper and await the results.
Career center
Learners who complete A Law Student's Toolkit will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Legal Assistant
Legal Assistant
Legal Assistants are critical members of the legal team, providing administrative, clerical, and paralegal support. They use their knowledge of legal terminology and procedures to help lawyers prepare for trials, draft legal documents, and manage client files. This course would provide Legal Assistants with a strong foundation in the basics of law, helping them to understand the legal concepts and arguments they encounter in their work. It would also help them to develop the analytical and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.
Paralegal
Paralegal
Paralegals are legal professionals who work under the supervision of lawyers. They perform a variety of tasks, including legal research, drafting legal documents, and assisting with trials. This course would provide Paralegals with a strong foundation in the basics of law, helping them to understand the legal concepts and arguments they encounter in their work. It would also help them to develop the analytical and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.
Law Librarian
Law Librarian
Law Librarians are responsible for organizing and managing legal collections in libraries, law firms, and other legal institutions. They help researchers find the legal information they need, and they may also provide reference and instructional services. This course would provide Law Librarians with a strong foundation in the basics of law, helping them to understand the legal concepts and arguments they encounter in their work. It would also help them to develop the research and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.
Legal Educator
Legal Educator
Legal Educators teach law at universities and law schools. They need to have a strong understanding of the law in order to effectively teach their students. This course would provide Legal Educators with a strong foundation in the basics of law, helping them to understand the legal concepts and arguments they encounter in their work. It would also help them to develop the teaching and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.
Legal Journalist
Legal Journalist
Legal Journalists write articles and reports about legal issues for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They need to have a strong understanding of the law in order to accurately report on legal proceedings and developments. This course would provide Legal Journalists with a strong foundation in the basics of law, helping them to understand the legal concepts and arguments they encounter in their work. It would also help them to develop the research and writing skills necessary to succeed in this role.
Risk Manager
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify and assess risks to their organizations. They need to have a strong understanding of the law in order to effectively manage legal risks. This course would provide Risk Managers with a strong foundation in the basics of law, helping them to understand the legal concepts and arguments they encounter in their work. It would also help them to develop the analytical and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts develop and evaluate public policies. They need to have a strong understanding of the law in order to effectively analyze and develop policies. This course would provide Policy Analysts with a strong foundation in the basics of law, helping them to understand the legal concepts and arguments they encounter in their work. It would also help them to develop the analytical and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers ensure that their organizations comply with all applicable laws and regulations. They need to have a strong understanding of the law in order to effectively carry out their duties. This course would provide Compliance Officers with a strong foundation in the basics of law, helping them to understand the legal concepts and arguments they encounter in their work. It would also help them to develop the analytical and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.
Legislator
Legislator
Legislators make laws. They need to have a strong understanding of the law in order to effectively create and pass laws. This course would provide Legislators with a strong foundation in the basics of law, helping them to understand the legal concepts and arguments they encounter in their work. It would also help them to develop the communication and negotiation skills necessary to succeed in this role.
Judge
Judge
Judges preside over legal proceedings and make decisions based on the law. They need to have a strong understanding of the law in order to effectively carry out their duties. This course would provide Judges with a strong foundation in the basics of law, helping them to understand the legal concepts and arguments they encounter in their work. It would also help them to develop the analytical and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.
Arbitrator
Arbitrator
Arbitrators resolve disputes outside of court. They need to have a strong understanding of the law in order to effectively resolve disputes. This course would provide Arbitrators with a strong foundation in the basics of law, helping them to understand the legal concepts and arguments they encounter in their work. It would also help them to develop the analytical and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.
Legal Advisor
Legal Advisor
Legal Advisors provide legal advice to clients. They need to have a strong understanding of the law in order to effectively advise their clients. This course would provide Legal Advisors with a strong foundation in the basics of law, helping them to understand the legal concepts and arguments they encounter in their work. It would also help them to develop the analytical and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.
Mediator
Mediator
Mediators help disputing parties reach agreements. They need to have a strong understanding of the law in order to effectively mediate disputes. This course would provide Mediators with a strong foundation in the basics of law, helping them to understand the legal concepts and arguments they encounter in their work. It would also help them to develop the communication and negotiation skills necessary to succeed in this role.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers represent clients in legal matters. They need to have a strong understanding of the law in order to effectively represent their clients. This course would provide Lawyers with a strong foundation in the basics of law, helping them to understand the legal concepts and arguments they encounter in their work. It would also help them to develop the analytical and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.
Ombudsperson
Ombudsperson
Ombudspersons investigate and resolve complaints within organizations. They need to have a strong understanding of the law in order to effectively investigate and resolve complaints. This course would provide Ombudspersons with a strong foundation in the basics of law, helping them to understand the legal concepts and arguments they encounter in their work. It would also help them to develop the communication and problem-solving skills necessary to succeed in this role.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/bkeb6m/a
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
A Law Student's Toolkit.
Save
A foundational work in legal philosophy that explores the nature and definition of law.
Save
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the nature and function of law, legal institutions, and legal reasoning.
Save
A seminal work on legal philosophy that explores the relationship between law and morality.
A collection of essays that were instrumental in the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
An accessible and thought-provoking exploration of the concept of the rule of law.
An accessible and informative guide to the Bill of Rights.
A classic work of legal scholarship that provides a comprehensive overview of the English common law system.
A clear and concise introduction to the U.S. Constitution.
A popular and accessible introduction to moral and political philosophy that explores the nature of justice.
Save
A helpful guide to understanding one of the most important works in American political thought.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/bkeb6m/a
Share
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Effort
3 weeks of study, 5-7 hours/week
Via
Coursera
Institution
Yale University
Instructor
Ian Ayres
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
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اُردُو,
فارسی
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tiếng Việt
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
Good to know
Builds a strong foundation for beginners in the field of law and legal analysis
Taught by Ian Ayres, a recognized expert in the field of law
Provides a comprehensive overview of legal terminology, concepts, and tools
Helps learners develop critical thinking and analytical skills essential for legal professionals
Suitable for aspiring law students seeking a head start or advanced students desiring a review of fundamentals
May require additional resources for a deeper understanding of specific legal topics
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