School of Law and Governance: Ycartiaga@usc - Edu.ph
School of Law and Governance: Ycartiaga@usc - Edu.ph
School of Law and Governance: Ycartiaga@usc - Edu.ph
COURSE SYLLABUS
JD101 – LEGAL RESEARCH AND THESIS WRITING
EH 204 - Monday 5:30 – 7:30
EH 201/409 (combined class) – Saturday 3:30 – 5:30
(First Semester, A.Y. 2020-2021)
“Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back
the right one.”
Neil Gaiman
USC VISION
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o what they have, they share.
USC MISSION
The University of San Carlos is a Catholic institution of learning that embodies the
principles of academic discipline of San Carlos Borromeo and the missionary charism
of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD).
Upon completing the law program, Carolinian law graduates will demonstrate the
following:
PLLO 1: KNOWLEDGE
PLLO 2: ETHICS, PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY, WITNESS
TO THE WORD
PLLO 3: THINKING SKILLS which include the skills to identify and articulate
legal issues; apply legal reasoning and research to generate appropriate responses
to legal issues; engage in critical analysis and make a reasoned choice amongst
alternatives; and think creatively in approaching legal issues and generating
appropriate responses.
PLLO 4: RESEARCH SKILLS
PLLO 5: COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION
PLLO 6: SELF-MANAGEMENT
At the end of the law program, the Carolinian law graduate is expected to be
Witness to the Word and to embody the following Graduate Attributes:
Scientia: A COMPETENT PROFESSIONAL
Critical thinker
Lifelong learner
Skilled researcher
Sound decision- maker
Innovative problem-solver
Effective and articulate communicator
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Based in part on ALTC’s Learning and Teaching Academic Standards Program, December 2010.
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Passionate worker for the marginalized
Course Description
The course aims to adequately familiarize first year JD students with basic legal
research and writing methods. It also aims to enhance the students’ research skills
and ability to analyze, articulate, and apply the law effectively. The course likewise seeks
to develop the writing skills of students needed for their academic life as students of
law and in preparation for their JD thesis and for their law-related employment.
Course Learning Objectives (See specific learning objectives under each module posted in
Schoology)
4. convey their analysis of the laws and legal issues in writing in ways that are
effective, appropriate, and persuasive, through memoranda, legal opinions,
legal briefs, and more particularly through legal academic essays or expository
or critical papers according to established legal academic standards, including
proper citations as preparatory for their JD thesis
Course Outline (See detailed lesson content and flow under specific modules posted in Schoology)
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B. The Hybrid Nature of the Philippine Legal System
1. Muslim Personal Laws
2. Indigenous and Customary Laws
E. Hierarchy of Courts
A. Sources of Law
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A. Legal Research defined
V. Ethics in Research
A. notes-bibliography style
B. parenthetical citations-reference list style
C. Chicago Style of Legal Citation (or Harvard Bluebook Citation Style)
D. Using Chicago Legal Citation (or Harvard Bluebook Citation Style) in the
Philippine Setting
Course Methodology (See specific learning activities under modules posted in Schoology)
Aside from the specific learning activities under each module posted in
Schoology, the following teaching methodologies will be adopted in order to achieve
the learning objectives above stated and enhance learning and applied knowledge of
students:
Lectures and Class Discussions – Lectures and class discussions will be
conducted on topics assigned to students.
Reading Assignments – Students will be asked to read in advance the topics
found in the syllabus.
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Legal Research – Students will be asked to do library research and computer-
aided research that may entail application of knowledge on research techniques through
use of resources available in the law library and the internet.
Essay Writing – Students will be assigned to write academic essays that will test
their learning on research and writing techniques.
Quizzes and Examinations – Quizzes will be given from time to time in order
to test the students’ understanding of the readings assigned to them as well their
learning from the class lectures and discussions.
Course Requirements
For onsite classes, regular attendance is required. Students are expected to come
to class prepared and participate actively in the lectures and discussions. They must
also pass the written examinations. Major papers and other written assignments must
be submitted on time. No extension will be allowed except for good cause shown.
For online classes, students are expected to be adequately equipped with
computer/laptop device and reliable internet connection. Online classes are delivered
in synchronous and asynchronous modes. Students are required to attend online
sessions, whether synchronous or asynchronous, regularly. They must observe online
class etiquettes at all times. Online assessments tasks must be submitted on time.
Academic Dishonesty
Plagiarism, cheatings, and any other dishonest activities, including any act by
students that misrepresents their own works or compromises the academic work of
another by the submission or presentation of papers not their own, are considered
academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be strictly dealt
with. In accordance with university policy, academic dishonesty may result to students
getting failing grades or their expulsion from the university.
Course Materials (See reading lists under each module posted in Schoology)
There are no required textbooks. The USC Law Library has several volumes on
legal research and legal writing in its collection for our reference. They are the
recommended readings for this course. Aside from the reading list posted under each
module posted in Schoology, the following are the recommended readings for this
course:
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1. Foundations of Legal Research and Writing by Carol M. Bast and Margie Hawkins
2. Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing by William H. Putman
3. Legal Research by Rufus B. Rodriguez
4. Philippine Legal Research by Milagros Santos-Ong
5. The Maroonbook: The University of Chicago Manual of Legal Citation (or Harvard
Bluebook Citation Style)
6. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations : Chicago Style for
Students and Researchers by Kate L. Turabian
7. The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White
N.B.: The professor reserves the option of amending the topics and reading list in the syllabus as
exigencies warrant.