January Term 2010
Beginning in January 2004, Common Law adopted a three week January term during which each student takes one course, and one course only, offered in an intensive format. Many students prefer the intensive format which allows them to concentrate all their attention on one course. The three week schedule permits us to engage professors who would be otherwise unavailable for a traditional semester. Typically, our students describe the January session as intense and exhausting, but the student evaluations are highly positive.
Students in first year take an intensive course in Dispute Resolution. This “hands on” course draws on the experience of more than 50 dispute resolution professionals from the community who volunteer their time and expertise. Upper year students select an intensive course from a wide range of options that vary each year.
Many of the courses are offered by an outstanding group of Ontario lawyers, judges, journalists and others. Some are offered by our own full time professors. One interesting example is the joint course with students from the University of Puerto Rico and Ottawa, taught by Professor Ian Kerr and known colloquially as “TechnoRico”. The students spend the first week in Ottawa and the rest of the term in San Juan.
One of the great things about January Term is the opportunity it provides to host visiting professors. So far, we have enjoyed visiting professors from law schools in Australia, France, Belgium, Iceland, England, Puerto Rico, Kenya, and the United States. We have also hosted visiting professors from other Canadian Universities.