Summer Session, 1990

(July 3 - August 10)

Mondays/Wednesdays

5:30 - 9:20 P. M.

Location: MPX 7610

Simon Fraser University

?

EDUCATION 448

?

Law In the Curriculum

Instructor:

Office:

Phone:

[IJ

Wanda Cassidy

MPX 8667

291-4570, 291-4484

Just as we recognize that every students has a right to read, so we should recognize that

every students has a right to be legally literate,' to possess that minimum amount of

information needed by citizens to understand how their legal system works and how it can

work for them. (D. Schimmel)

PREREQUISITE:

EDUC 401/402, or equivalent of a first teaching practicum, or permission of instructor.

OVERVIEW:

Law-related education in the curriculum is the focus of this methodology course. Students

will examine the role of law in the elementary and secondary curriculum anti evelo Ways to

implement law-related topics, concepts and skills in their classroom.

OBJECTIVE:

Law, in its broad definition, is an integral part of curricula at all levels of schooling, in particular,

in subjects such as Language Arts, Social Studies, Consumer Education and Law 12.

Concepts and skills of law are found in the new Primary Program, and will undoubtedly form

part of the proposed Intermediate and Graduation Programs. Teachers also teach legal

concepts informally through the way they structure their classroom, manage conflict, and

address decision-making.

In this course teachers and prospective teachers examine and participate in a number of law-

related strategies and develop materials for use in their classroom. The course will benefit

teachers at both the elementary and secondary level. It is suited for teachers who are

unfamiliar with teaching law as well as those who are more experienced. The course is

designed to be interactive and participatory. One class will involve a field study, and one class

will be held at the Law Courts.

SAMPLE TOPICS:

1.

The importance of teaching law in the schools

2.

Law in the curriculum, formal and informal

3.

Unit development in law

4.

Legal concepts and skills

5.

Using the community as a resource

6.

Law-related strategies: e.g. mock trials, moot appeals, legal research, case studies

7.

Materials review and development

REQUIREMENTS:

Report on a community resource, participation in a mock trial or moot appeal, development of

a short curriculum unit, short paper (4 pages) on one aspect of law-related education,

attendance and participation in class.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:

Gallagher, Arlene F. The Methods Book. Law in American Society Foundation. ISBN 0-

9301 02-00-2.

A source book of readings, available on the first day of classes. $15.00 charge