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Get a rounded knowledge of Canadian Law
Take a fascinating look at the legal concepts that govern all aspects of our society, from the nature of law, common and civil law systems, and the legal industry in practice with Law 201/701 Introduction to Canadian Law.
Introduction to Canadian Law provides students with an introduction to the Canadian legal and judicial systems. Designed for students with no legal background, this course provides an overview of the general areas of Canadian law including: Public and Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Torts, Contracts, Property Law, Corporate Law, Workplace Law, Intellectual Property Law, and International Law. Created and taught by Queen's Law professors and alumni, these courses pull from real case law, up-to-the-minute events, and key moments in our history to explain and explore how the law really works in Canada. This course is offered both online and on-campus for Queen's students for the fall and winter terms.
Amanda Scorda
When I started my undergraduate degree, I knew I had an interest in pursuing law. However, it really was not until I took Law 201 that I understood what pursuing law meant. I was able to learn about several areas of Canadian law and how I interact with the law every day. I can now confidently say that law is something I want to pursue after my undergraduate degree.
Jamie Davison
I was amazed to learn how much of the course material applied to my everyday life. I had no conception of my rights as both an employee or a tenant of a student house. After taking this course I was able to negotiate a better lease for my student house and inform my employer of my right to a 30-minute eating period after working five consecutive hours.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLO)
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
> CLO 1: Explain the structure of the Canadian legal system and how it fits in an international context.
> CLO 2: Apply legal principles and basic legal reasoning to a set of facts.
> CLO 3: Examine how the law affects your everyday life.
Course Offering (may be subject to change)
Introduction to Canadian Law (Law 201/701) is offered as both an online and in-class format.
Law 201/701 is offered online in September, January and May. The in-class version of Law 201 is offered in September and January. Please note, the in-class version is not available to distance or interest students.
Assessment Weighting (may be subject to change)
Law 201/701 (Online)
| ASSESSMENT TOOL | WEIGHT |
|---|---|
| Quizzes (Individual) | 20% |
| Applied Learning Sessions* (Individual) | 14% |
| Module Fact Patterns (Individual) | 36% |
| Final Assessment | 30% |
*Applied Learning Sessions. Students will participate in six Applied Learning Sessions (Weeks 2, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11**) with either an instructor or TA. You will attend the same day/time each week there is an ALS. These online tutorials will be conducted using Zoom and provide you with an opportunity to practice concepts covered in the relevant week. During the Applied Learning Sessions, you will complete online polls, participate in small group discussions with your peers, or engage in simulations. It is important that you ensure you meet all technical requirements for sessions as no accommodations are provided for technical issues or missed sessions. Grades will be awarded for the activities you do in preparation for and during the Applied Learning Sessions. Note that grades assigned to poll questions are for attempting the questions and not for the correctness of your answers.
**Applied Learning Sessions tutorials may be subject to change
Law 201 (Blended)
| ASSESSMENT TOOL | WEIGHT |
|---|---|
| Quizzes (Individual) | 20% |
| Applied Learning Sessions* (Individual) | 9% |
| International Law Simulation (Group) | 5% |
| Module Fact Patterns (Individual) | 36% |
| Final Assessment | 30% |
*Applied Learning Sessions. Weekly lectures have been designed as Applied Learning Sessions where you will practice applying the material covered in readings and instructions videos for the relevant topic. During the Applied Learning Sessions, you will complete polls, participate in small group discussions with your peers or engage in simulations. Grades will be awarded for the activities you do in preparation for and during the Applied Learning Sessions. Note that grades assigned to poll questions are for attempting the questions and not for the correctness of your answers.
Course Materials
Introduction to Law in Canada, 3rd Edition (Emond Publishing, 2023) John Fairlie
This is a required textbook. the hardcopy version can be purchased through Queen's Campus Bookstore or directly from Emond Publishing. The electronic version can be purchased through VitalSource.
Textbook Buying Options
Hardcover - $98.00 (non-returnable) or $109.00 (returnable)
eTextbook - Lifetime access is $88.00 or you can rent the textbook for one year for a cost of $74.00