At U of T Law, we are dedicated to teaching a distinctive way of thinking about the world, equipping our immensely bright and diverse students to understand complex social challenges in the context of a free and democratic society.
We believe that legal education is a project of collaborative pedagogy, of thinking and learning together. Through critical dialogue, reflection, and engagement in the classroom and community, students are elevated by their teachers and peers to become outstanding lawyers, scholars, and leaders across a wide range of professions.
Our extraordinary levels of classroom and community engagement in the Graduate Program are supported by our policy on mandatory attendance. Discussion amongst students and professors is critical to developing the ability to understand, explain, and challenge doctrinal knowledge. Graduate students should be able to articulate, defend, and critique arguments from diverse viewpoints, including those they might otherwise dismiss. Regular in-person attendance is required because it is through real-time, face-to-face interactions that students hone their ability to reason collectively in a critical and respectful manner.
Our pedagogy and programs are designed to enable each student to achieve the following learning objectives and competencies:
- Knowledge and understanding of substantive and procedural law;
- Aptitude for legal research, analysis, and reasoning;
- Aptitude for academic research;
- Proficiency in the use of critical thinking and written and oral advocacy skills, through persuasive writing, oral presentations, problem-solving, and real-time debate;
- Ability to engage respectfully with others, consider diverse perspectives, and collaborate effectively;
- Knowledge and understanding of the ethical and professional responsibilities appropriate to their profession.
Students are required to demonstrate these learning objectives and competencies across a range of courses covering different areas of law and using a range of pedagogical techniques. Graduate students are required to:
- read and engage with a range of sources;
- express their ideas in writing;
- conduct legal and academic research;
- engage in problem solving during class, through a question-and-answer format;
- actively and respectfully listen to, and participate in dialogue with students, faculty, and other members of the community;
- attend classes and participate in in-person class activities;
- interact with classmates with different perspectives, responding – as needed – to the positions of others and defending, respectfully, their own positions;
- present their ideas orally;
- take timed evaluations; and
- submit work to meet deadlines and requirements.