SoSe 2019 Conversation and Presentation Skills, Group H

Class Schedule and Assignments

(please follow links to additional information and assignments related to each session)

September 17th

Session 1 (9:00 – 10:30) – Introductions & Overview of Class, Court Statements Exercise
  • After getting an overview of the course, students will engage in a court statements exercise, which will introduce them to mooting.
  • Team Assignments will also be made in this session.
  • HOMEWORK – read the articles for your group to be presented next session.
Session 2 (10:45 – 12:15) – Constitutional Conflicts
  • The articles for each group can be found on the Cases and Conflicts page.
  • In this session we will be introduced to our mooting topics and get practice in presenting news articles, a skill that will come in handy during the oral exam for this course and the FFA Final Exam. We will end the session by being introduced to the role play that will be used during the next session, and brainstorming about how best to approach it.
Session 3 (13:00 – 14:30)  – Learning About Constitutional Conflicts Thru Role Plays
  • In this session we will start informally discussing the basic issues that will be used in for the moots by using a role play. These role plays will also hopefully make you more comfortable using your English in a spontaneous manner.
  • HOMEWORK:
    • Preparing for fact exercise – using BOTH appellate briefs provided to you on the Mooting Topics page, please familiarize yourself with the facts of your case. Note how each side presents different facts.
    • Analogy exercise -Read ONE of the cases assigned to your group on your Mooting Topics page. Come ready to discuss how this case similar and different than your mooting case.

September 19th

Session 1 (9:00 – 10:30) – An Introduction to Mooting & Finding the Facts
  • Introduction to Mooting and Moot Court – In this class we will learn how to moot. More specifically, I will show you the basics of conducting a moot court presentation.
    • Additional information and links to videos used in the lecture can be found on the Mooting Resources page.
    • I will also explain the “Brief” requirement.
  • Practicing your opening sentences
Session 2 (10:45 – 12:15) – Just the Facts: Getting Familiar With the Story Through Improv & Using Legal English
  • Objective: We will work in small groups during this session. Each group will prepare for and engage in a facts exercise. I will also speak individually with each group about the law of their cases. We will end the session with a brief lecture on the various constitutional issues at play in these moots.
  • Finding the Facts Exercise
    • Step 1: If you already have not done so, divide into your teams of two (the side you will represent in the moot)
    • Step 2: Re-familiarize yourself with the facts section from YOUR brief
    • Step 3: Explain to your opponents your version of the facts
    • Step 4: Engage in the finding the facts improv.
  • Next we will watch  a moot court competition to familiarize ourselves with common phrases used in oral arguments.
  • Finally, we will start becoming familiar with precedent for our moot.
    • Start looking over the cases on your mooting topics page. Think about how the case is similar or different.
  • Additional Reading: How the Sausage is Made: Decisions of the Supreme Court.
Session 3 (13:00 – 14:30) – Legal Brainstorming & Using Precedent

September 24th

Session 1 (9:00 – 10:30): An Impromptu Discussion About our Moot
  • Objective: Through an exercise using impromptu speaking methods, we will try to become comfortable with our moot.
  • Preparation (30 Minutes):
    • While you are working on your argument, I will come by and see if you have questions about the legal issues in your moot.
  • Directed Paraphrasing Exercise (45 minutes)
    • GOAL – practice talking about the issue using your own language
      • Groups will be paired as follows:
        • Groups 1/2
        • Groups 3/4
  • Group Debate (15 minutes, time permitting)
    • As a group, engage in a discussion, debate using the following question as a guide:
      • Groups 1/2 – The state should not be allowed erect religious symbols on its property. Discuss
      • Groups 3/4 – Students should only be punished for speech that physically disrupts a classroom or the school setting. Discuss
Session 2 (10:45 – 12:15): Answering Questions/Final Exam Prep
  • Pressesprecher Roleplay (1 Hour)
    • In two groups (Groups 1/2, 3/4)
    • 15 minute prep time – each person thinks of a recent controversy where a company, political party, or government had to answer press questions.
      • Think of how you defend the controversy. Then be ready to answer questions posed to by other members of your group.
      • Each person will be questioned for 3-5 minutes.
  • Mooting Grade Rubric  – this sheet shows how you will be graded in the moot court presentation.
  • Final Exam Overview – we will talk about how to prepare for the final exam

September 25th

Moot Court Presentations (3 sessions)

We will use the entire day to hear each group’s moot. Moots will be presented in chronological order with Group 1 kicking things off. After each moot, we will discuss the case as a group. We will obviously take breaks throughout the day.

September 27th

Please bring the articles with you to the exam. You may also bring one page of notes related to the article with you.