7/27/2019 Introduction to Legal Linguistics.odt

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TLS_0043 Introduction to Legal Linguistics 35 ECTS

Default Level: Intermediate Studies

Objectives: After completing the course the student has the basic knowledge of the complexrelationship between law and language. After the course the student will be able to use the basic legal

linguistic methods and principles in order to analyze and understand the development, use and themaking of the language of the law and its variations (legislative language, court decisions, thelanguage of advocacy, expository texts in legal journals, academic texts on law).

Content: The course gives an overview of legal linguistics whose importance is intensified by theglobalization process which increases the need to cross borders between legal systems and legallanguages without hesitation. Topics discussed include: legal linguistics as a discipline and a line ofstudy in the law curriculum, its relationship to neighbouring disciplines and schools of thought in law;the theories and methods of legal linguistics, approaches to the history, the use, and the making oflegal languages, activities generating legal language concerning the functions of law, the relationshipof legal concepts and legal terms.A description of the applications of legal linguistics: legal terminology work, legal translation, forensiclinguistics and forensic phonetics.

Recommended year of study: 1. year autumn, 1. year spring, 2. year autumn, 2. year spring.

Teaching methods: Lectures 20 h. Active participation in class, completed assignments and acourse review.A seminar session (2 hrs) for those who wish to earn 2 (3+2) additional credits.

Modes of study: In Finnish: Participation in classroom work + exercise(s) + study journal / learningdiary. Attendance and written and oral assignments and lecture review/journal, 3 credits. Those whowish to earn 5 credits will write a paper (8-10 pages) and present it to the class.

Evaluation: 1-5. Attendance and participation in class and completion of written and oral assignmentsand a course review/journal.Students wishing to earn 2 additional credits (3+2) will write a more extensive paper on an aspect (oftheir own choice and approved by the lecturer) of legal linguistics and present it orally in class.

Study materials / literature:Course reading and other materials will be uploaded at the Moodle platform.

Further information: TIME: Period III, 4.2.-16.2.2013

Person(s) in charge: Dr. Tarja Salmi-Tolonen LL.D., tel. 333 5862, tasato@utu.fi, office hour onagreement by email, Cal113