Concord offers a creative and innovative program that is on the forefront of changing the way legal education is offered. Through Internet technologies, we are creating an accessible, progressive learning environment that strives to address different learning styles and the preferences of adult learners.
Courses by Module
Each Concord course is organized in a series of modules. In a year-long JD course, students work through 30 modules on an optimum pace of about 11 days per module. Modules function as an interactive syllabus, providing access to assignments and organizing one’s studies. Building on the past, each module includes repetition and reinforcement of legal concepts through reading assignments, video lectures, organized discussion, writing assignments, multiple-choice quizzes, and other exercises.
Asynchronous Recorded Lectures Available 24/7
Lectures by prominent legal experts and academics are integrated in the courses. In a bricks-and-mortar program, professors generally use the classroom for both lecture and discussion. Concord creates a more flexible learning environment with the use of audio and video lectures available on the Internet 24/7.
Synchronous Classes
Students meet with their professor online in live classes over the Internet. Students hear the professor through streaming audio and communicate in text. During the class, professors may challenge students to learn how to apply law to a fact pattern through the use of hypotheticals and cases not yet decided. Or, they may use the time as a forum to demonstrate the uncertainty of law. Whatever the topic, the diversity of student experiences at Concord contributes to the vibrancy of the discussions and helps create learning communities where respect is shown to others with whom one might disagree.
Systematic Feedback
Unlike many traditional law curriculums, Concord is committed to providing students with continuing feedback. Students answer numerous essay questions and perform other writing assignments throughout the courses. The exercises are thoroughly reviewed and critiqued. The paperless technology facilitates tracking and the prompt return of assignments.
Professors are always available to talk with students or discuss their coursework via email. The Concord learning platform allows us to keep track of how both students and faculty are doing, and we take full advantage of that opportunity.