Assignments
Class participation and Presentation of Reading (20%) – This seminar is built around a continuing discussion of a shared set of readings. As a result, students are expected to attend class, to have read the assigned material, and to be prepared to talk about that material in class.
Students will be asked to provide a short introduction to one of the assigned readings. This introduction is intended to distil the central argument in the reading and then launch the class discussion. The presentation itself is to be approximately 10-12 minutes long.
Short assignment (20%) – Students are required to write a short assignment (1250 words or 5 pages). The short assignment should explore some aspect of property law, understood broadly, in its historical context. The short assignment may be connected to or become part of the research paper.
The short assignment will be graded on the substantive content, the originality of ideas, the organization and structure, and the clarity of the writing. It is intended to provide students with an opportunity to write and receive feedback.
Short assignment due date – October 15th
Research Paper (50%) – A research seminar provides students with the opportunity to write a longer paper on a subject of particular interest to them. It also provides an opportunity to enhance legal research and writing skills, with a particular focus on academic research and writing.
Students are expected to write a 6250 – 7500 word research paper (approximately 25 – 30 pages) on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with the instructor. The topic must engage property law, understood broadly, in its historical context. The word count includes the references (footnotes or endnotes), but not the bibliography.
The research paper must include proper citations (legal sources according to the Canadian Guide to Uniform Legal Citation, 7th Edition, “The McGill Guide” and other sources according to The Chicago Manual of Style). It must also include a bibliography.
The assignments will be graded on the substantive content, the originality of ideas, the organization and structure, and the clarity of the writing. Students may submit a draft of their research paper on or before the date listed below. The draft will be returned with comments by December 6th.
Research Paper due dates:
Optional draft 4:00pm, November 29th
Final Paper 4:00pm, December 18th
Research Paper presentation (10%) – Students will present their research papers as works in progress to the class in one of the final three classes. Presentations will be approximately 10-15 minutes long followed by questions and discussion. Students will be evaluated on the content, organization, and structure of their presentation, and on its delivery to the class.