Courses
that improve the thought and reasoning process as well as
the drawing of conclusions from what is read or discussed.
It is natural and easy to point to quantitative and reasoning
courses as likely to develop a student's ability to reason.
Any course where the professor offering it has a reputation
for focusing on problem-solving and encouraging thought will
be valuable for the Prelaw student.
Courses that improve an individual's ability to communicate
clearly and precisely both in oral and written form. Lawyers
are keenly aware of the fact that communication is not only
for the purpose of explanation, but is also for the purpose
of persuading. To be a lawyer is to be an advocate.
Students
will often seek courses in English and History, but these
skills can be sharpened in virtually any course that emphasizes
technical writing and/or public speaking. It is also helpful
for students to challenge themselves in courses that require
the development of independent research skills (using the
library or other research resources such as CD-ROM libraries,
available database technology, even the Internet), in contrast
with courses that are aimed at the accumulation of a large
number of facts. Many seminar courses at Holy Cross provide
students with the opportunity to research an issue, write
one or more significant papers, and make an oral presentation
to a class of peers. If the professor is demanding and provides
the student with critical feedback during the process, the
seminar experience will be worthwhile and will accomplish
more than merely improving one's communication skills.
Courses
or other experiences that require public speaking and presenting
of ideas before others. Students have found debating, leading
college organizations, dramatics and involvement in theater
and even serving as a lector in the Chapel as worthwhile.
The College is a member of the American Mock Trial Association.
Prelaw students who join the Mock Trial team learn to make
coherent and polished presentations in a competitive environment
with a frequently equally prepared opposing counsel. As Mike
Johnson (an AMTA officer) has said, Mock Trial is about more
than the law. It is about thinking and organizing and speaking
and teamwork and pride and discipline and confidence. In short,
Mock Trial is the complete educational package.”
Courses
that develop an understanding of the human experience and
the evolution of our institutions. Lawyers certainly deal
with the interpretation of factual issues as they relate to
our statutory and common law. However, these concepts are
not dealt with in isolation, but instead in the context of
people and their institutions.
Since
the majority of issues dealing with people and their institutions
are intertwined with financial or economic issues, students
will find the ability to understand economics (micro &
macro) and basic accounting helpful and, in some ways, are
"tools of the trade." A few law schools, such as
Georgetown, suggest (but do not require) that students take
courses in both accounting and economics.
Understanding
human life in context with our institutions leads to recommending
courses in the social sciences and humanities, including sociology,
psychology, literature, religion, political science, classics
and history, to name a few.
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