Phase 1: Foundations
Sessions 1–6 • May 27 – June 15
Skills: Critical reading, rule extraction, CREAC structure, rule synthesis, analogical reasoning
Assessment: Problem Set 1
Format: All in-person (150 min each)
Session Guides
14 sessions organized into three pedagogical phases. Each phase builds systematically on the previous, developing students from foundational reading skills through integrated legal analysis.
About These Guides
Each phase guide includes detailed session plans with:
- Learning objectives—what students will be able to do after each session
- Session activities—structured activities with timing and facilitation notes
- Key concepts—the analytical frameworks and skills emphasized in that phase
- Teaching notes—what to watch for, common challenges, and tips for success
Course Structure: Three Phases
Pedagogical Design
The course is organized around skill development, not arbitrary weekly divisions. Each phase has a distinct focus that prepares students for the next level of complexity. Sessions within each phase build toward specific assessment milestones.
The three phases reflect the course's learning progression:
Phase 2: Synthesis
Sessions 7–10 • June 17 – June 29
Skills: Multi-source synthesis, explaining precedent, issue prioritization, timed performance
Assessments: Problem Set 2, In-Class Assessment 1
Format: Hybrid (in-person + remote)
Phase 3: Integration
Sessions 11–14 • July 1 – July 13
Skills: Statutory interpretation, complex multi-issue analysis, policy reasoning, cumulative performance
Assessments: Problem Set 3, In-Class Assessment 2
Format: Hybrid (in-person + remote)
Skill Progression Across Phases
The course builds skills cumulatively. Each phase introduces new competencies while reinforcing earlier ones:
| Phase | New Skills Introduced | Skills Reinforced |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Foundations | Case reading, rule extraction, annotation, CREAC structure, basic synthesis, analogical reasoning | — |
| Phase 2: Synthesis | Explaining precedent, distinguishing cases, multi-issue analysis, timed writing | CREAC, rule synthesis, fact-matching, analogical reasoning |
| Phase 3: Integration | Statutory interpretation, framework application, policy reasoning, cumulative analysis | All Phase 1 and Phase 2 skills; time management; self-assessment |
Session Schedule Overview
7-Week Accelerated Format
14 sessions (150 minutes each). Weeks 1–3 are fully in-person. Weeks 4–7 are hybrid, with one in-person and one remote synchronous session per week.
All 14 Sessions at a Glance
| Session | Phase | Format | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Wed May 27) | Foundations | In-Person | Course introduction, diagnostic, study skills |
| 2 (Mon June 1) | In-Person | Critical reading, rule extraction, annotation | |
| 3 (Wed June 3) | In-Person | Rule synthesis, CREAC introduction, PS1 release | |
| 4 (Mon June 8) | In-Person | PS1 debrief, synthesis workshop | |
| 5 (Wed June 10) | In-Person | PS1 essay workshop, self-assessment | |
| 6 (Mon June 15) | In-Person | Analogical reasoning, PS2 release | |
| 7 (Wed June 17) | Synthesis | Remote | PS1 feedback discussion, revision strategies |
| 8 (Mon June 22) | In-Person | PS2 debrief, explaining precedent | |
| 9 (Wed June 24) | Remote | In-Class Assessment 1; PS2 feedback | |
| 10 (Mon June 29) | In-Person | ICA1 debrief, PS3 release | |
| 11 (Wed July 1) | Integration | Remote | Integration skills, essay revision workshop |
| 12 (Mon July 6) | In-Person | PS3 debrief, essay strategies | |
| 13 (Wed July 8) | Remote | In-Class Assessment 2; wrap-up | |
| 14 (Mon July 13) | In-Person | Final reflections, Reflection Journal review |
Jump to a Phase
Phase 1: Foundations
Sessions 1–6: Building blocks of legal analysis—reading, rule extraction, CREAC, and synthesis.
Phase 2: Synthesis
Sessions 7–10: Multi-source analysis, precedent use, and first timed assessment.
Phase 3: Integration
Sessions 11–14: Statutory interpretation, cumulative assessment, and course completion.
How to Use These Guides
Before Each Session
- Read the session plan in the relevant phase guide
- Gather and prepare materials
- Review the learning objectives and key activities
- Note any teaching tips or common challenges
During Each Session
- Follow the timeline, but adjust for your group's pace
- Prioritize core activities over optional extensions
- Watch for the "what to look for" signals noted in teaching tips
- Build in flexibility for student questions and struggles