Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Grading
What
will
the
exam
consist
of?
The
exam
will
consist
of
a
combination
of
multiple
choice,
short
answer,
and
one
long
essay
question.
Is
the
exam
open
book
or
closed
book?
The
exam
is
closed
book,
with
the
exception
of
one
small
index
card
(3x5).
The
index
card
may
be
filled
out
in
its
entirety
both
front
and
back.
If
your
index
card
is
larger
than
3x5
you
will
not
be
allowed
to
bring
your
card
into
the
exam.
Why
should
I
choose
the
final
exam
over
the
essay?
Do
you
like
multiple
choice?
Do
your
strengths
lie
in
the
memorization
of
material?
Is
the
material
from
class
very
accessible
and
easy
for
you
to
understand?
The
exam
may
be
for
you.
The
exam
will
require
a
combination
of
knowing
specific
terms:
such
as:
what
are
TBELs?
NQAASs?
As
well
as
applying
your
analytic
skills
to
use
what
you
know
to
solve
a
problem.
Most
likely
in
the
form
of
a
hypothetical.
Given
a
set
of
facts
what
would
be
your
advice?
What
are
the
arguments
and
counter
arguments
for
each
side?
On
the
exam
we
expect
to
see
BOTH
arguments
AND
counterarguments.
You
will
NOT
get
an
A
if
you
fail
to
include
counterarguments.
How
do
I
prepare
for
the
exam?
1. Review
class
notes
2. Review
PowerPoint
slides
3. Complete
the
study
guide,
which
will
include
a
list
of
important
terms,
cases,
and
topics
that
the
exam
may
cover
(distributed
on
March
26)
4. Complete
the
practice
exam
(distributed
on
March
26)
5. Ask questions! We are available every Thursday after class to discuss any questions you have about the material or the exam. If we find it valuable, we will share your question and our answer to the class. (Disclaimer: A completion of 1-5 will not ensure an A in the class. Your grade is a combination of your participation, short paper assignments, and mock trial grade) When will the final exam take place? The final exam will be held on the last day of class. The exam should take the average test taker 2 to 2.5 hours. You may not take more than 3 hours to finish the exam.
What topic can I choose? The research paper can focus on any environmental law related topic. If you have questions about a specific topic please come to our office hours after class on Thursday. We will not take questions during class. Please refer to the original syllabus for more paper topic ideas. When do I have to know my topic? We have graciously extended the deadline to March 12th. If we have not discussed a topic with you by March 12th, in person or email, we will sign you up for the final exam. How long does the research paper have to be? The research paper must be 20 or more pages. This page number is required of a 3 credit class. How do I cite? ABA or Chicago style is fine. Please include a bibliography page. If you would like to learn about legal citing feel free to ask during office hours. Whatever form of citing you choose, you must be consistent throughout your paper. Points will be deducted if you do not cite a source or consistently cite improperly. What is a legal memo? Do I have to write a legal memo? What is the difference between a legal memo and a research paper? You do not have to write a legal memo. If you are more comfortable with writing a research paper your paper can follow that format (introduction, body, conclusion) A legal memo answers a legal question by mostly looking at case law and statues. For example, the question, Can hydrofracking be regulated under the Clean Water Act? In order to answer this question you would have to look at the specific language in the Clean Water Act, any EPA regulations and/or case law that address the question.
A research paper would not answer a legal question but would be more of an analysis of a legal issue or debate. For example, what are the political difficulties surrounding hydrofracking? In that particular research paper you would research the political debate in Congress over regulating hydrofracking under the Safe Drinking Water Act or FRAC of 2011. You could also write about the difficulties of regulating hydrofracking using state or town law. What if I have questions as I am writing my paper? Feel free to give hand in any outlines or rough drafts for comments. We will review and give you suggestions. Outlines and rough drafts, for feedback, need to be handed in by: April 22nd When is the paper due? The last day of class