Fundamentals
Many students start their law school career thinking they understand
what law school is all about only to find out what they expected is not
what is expected of them. It often takes students months of effort
before they learn how to get the most from their studying. At Concord,
new students complete an Orientation to Concord’s online learning
platform and are then enrolled in the Fundamentals program.
Fundamentals is a unique program designed by the Concord faculty. Its
goal is to acquaint in-coming students with the functionality and time
management required to attend law school online and to begin the
development of the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful
career in law. The program consists of four courses which are completed
simultaneously over a four to six week period:
Learning How To Learn provides insight into the expectations
of law school professors and the community of scholars the student is
joining. The course engages students in critical reading assignments
and promotes the concept of active learning through entry-level analysis
and issue-spotting.
My First Year provides an overview of four classic
topics that are the foundation to the study of law. Students also get a
first look at the four subjects that make up their first year courses
and experience a practice quiz and writing assignment.
Strategies for Success provides an introduction to the
law profession and its ethical underpinnings. Students are also offered
a further look at the Concord degree programs and related career
opportunities.
The American Legal System provides the historical
background of the US legal system and the origins of American law.
Students will begin to build the key terms and definitions required for
first year law studies.
Fundamentals serves as a gateway to a successful start in law
school. In addition to the coursework, the program gives students the
chance to meet 1L colleagues and engage with Concord professors in live
classroom sessions. Through their Fundamentals
participation, students discover the vibrant and supportive community at
the law school— professors, Law Advisors, and fellow students - that
will be with them throughout their law school career.
EJD Start of 1L Courses
At the start of the first year, students receive access to
their first-year courses—Contracts, Torts and Criminal Law, and Legal
Writing and Test-Taking--and are welcomed by their professor and Law
Advisor.
As often as not, entering students have already joined a student
group set up for their section by upper-class student mentors. The
student community is generous with their advice and committed to the
success of their fellow students.