PARLGL-106-60749 - Legal Analysis and Writing - Judith M. Sack

Course:	Legal Analysis and Writing
Professor:	Judith M. Sack
Email:	judith.sack@canyons.edu
Format:	OnlineLive
Course Length:	16 Week

Introduction

Many folks believe that the heart of lawyering is communication and the legal field has its own communication system to do so. Legal writing incorporates all of the elements of lawyering.

Legal writing takes many forms. To be effective in the legal field, we must be flexible, adaptable, and competent. There are common, fundamental skills that are applied across all forms of legal writing. Similarly, purpose and audience will determine how the paralegal may best deploy those writing skills in each situation.

The pandemic has enlarged the number and type of interactions we engage in, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. The legal system of communication is applied in every exchange. It demands preparation, supporting research, critical analysis, strategy, and application.

This course is designed for students to develop and perfect their skills as legal writers and thinkers so that each one may enjoy their role in the larger legal community.

Course Description

Legal Research and Writing examines the processes of analysis and writing found within the legal profession, including preparation of legal memoranda.

What to Expect in this Course

This course is designed to maximize our time together online-live, through online discussions and activities, assignments, peer reviews, and individual course projects.

Types of Assessments

Graded components of this course include weekly assignments, discussions, participation in class activities, peer reviews, and individual written work.

Students will use numerous online research tools and resources. Copies of standard texts on the legal system of citation such as ALWD Guide to Legal Citation or The Bluebook: a Uniform System of Citation may be helpful but are not required.

Textbook Information

Textbook:

Putman & Albright Legal Research, Analysis and Writing (4th Edition 2018).

Note this is the same text used for the legal research course. Obtaining used copies of the 4th edition is encouraged.

Other Relevant Course Information

There will be weekly, virtual office hours and meetings by appointment. Students are encouraged to reach out at any time to the Professor and each other. We learn best when we learn together.

More detailed information will be available in the Canvas course shell once the term begins.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 12/26/2021 Sub#: 1195