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 complex relationship 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 the making of the language of the law and its variations (legislative language, court decisions, the language 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 the globalization process which increases the need to cross borders between legal systems and legal languages without hesitation. Topics discussed include: legal linguistics as a discipline and a line of study 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 of legal languages, activities generating legal language concerning the functions of law, the relationship of legal concepts and legal terms. A description of the applications of legal linguistics: legal terminology work, legal translation, forensic linguistics 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 a course 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 / learning diary. Attendance and written and oral assignments and lecture review/journal, 3 credits. Those who wish 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 assignments and a course review/journal. Students wishing to earn 2 additional credits (3+2) will write a more extensive paper on an aspect (of their 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 on agreement by email, Cal 113