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Education 487-4

SPECIAL TOPICS: LAW FOR THE CLASSROOM TEACHER

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Fall Semester, 1984

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Instructor: Wanda Cassidy

Wednesdays, 5:30-9:20 p.m. ?

Location: ?

Rm. 7600, t1PX

91ctives: "The individual, in order to effectively function

within our society, requires a basic understanding

of the law . . . (Moreover) the rule of law will

not function as the cornerstone of our society

unless our citizens understand the role of law in

society and know and respect the right and

obligations which it confers."

(John Finley, The National, Fall 1981)

The purpose of this course is to provide teachers with a basic understanding of

the law, its processes and role, so that they might be better able to teach it

in the classroom.

E

ligibi

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: Legal concepts and topics can be taught through the elementary

school curriculum as well as through more obvious secondary school courses such

as Social Studies, English, Consumer Education and Law 11. Teachers or

prospective teachers from all grade levels, experienced in teaching law or not,

are encouraged to enroll. Minimum requirement is Educ. 401/2 or the equivalent

of a first teaching practicum or permission from the instructor.

Course Content: The course will be co-ordinated by Wanda Cassidy, Co-Director

of the Education and Law Project at S.F.U. with teaching assistance provided by

members of the legal profession. Course content will include:

I ?

L9]Lrocess - defining law and determining its role;

authorjtiHe Constitution and Charter; the judicial

system; reading a case and statute.

II ?

Legajpjcs - each tackled from a different perspective -

Criminal [historical); Family (cases); Constitutional

(political); Labour (statutory); Contracts (economic);

Property (comparative law).

Text: Students will be provided at minimal cost with a source book of readings.

Requirements: One major assignment analyzing an area of law of the student's

choosing. Readings and a brief summary of each lesson.