Curriculum Overview
The curriculum of the Law program at Shri Shankaracharya Professional University Durg is designed to provide a comprehensive and progressive learning experience. The program is structured over three years, with each year building upon the previous one to ensure that students develop a deep understanding of legal principles and their practical application.
Year 1: Foundation and Introduction
In the first year, students are introduced to the fundamental principles of law, including constitutional law, criminal law, and civil procedure. The curriculum emphasizes the development of analytical and critical thinking skills, enabling students to understand the core concepts of legal reasoning. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and case studies, students begin to appreciate the complexity and interconnectedness of legal principles.
The first year also includes foundational courses such as Legal Writing and Research, which are essential for legal practice. Students learn how to conduct legal research, draft legal documents, and present arguments effectively. These skills are crucial for success in the legal profession and are reinforced throughout the program.
Year 2: Specialization and Depth
The second year builds upon the foundational knowledge by introducing students to more specialized areas of law. Courses in contract law, torts, and property law provide students with a deeper understanding of legal relationships and obligations. Additionally, students are exposed to legal writing and research methodologies, which are essential skills for legal practice.
Students also take courses in Legal Ethics, which examines the moral and ethical dimensions of legal practice. This course helps students understand their professional responsibilities and the importance of integrity in legal work.
Year 3: Advanced Specializations
The third year of the program focuses on advanced specializations and practical training. Students have the opportunity to explore elective courses that align with their interests and career aspirations. Specializations in corporate law, human rights law, environmental law, and international law allow students to develop expertise in specific areas.
Advanced courses such as Legal Technology, which introduces students to the use of technology in legal practice, and Alternative Dispute Resolution, which covers mediation, arbitration, and negotiation techniques, are offered to enhance students' practical skills.
Elective Courses
The program includes a range of advanced departmental elective courses that allow students to explore specialized areas of law. These courses are designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in their chosen fields.
One of the advanced elective courses is Legal Technology, which introduces students to the use of technology in legal practice. The course covers topics such as e-discovery, legal research databases, and the use of artificial intelligence in legal analysis. Students learn how to use legal software and tools to enhance their efficiency and accuracy in legal work.
Another advanced elective is Intellectual Property Law, which focuses on the legal protection of creative works and innovations. Students study topics such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. The course includes practical exercises that allow students to draft and analyze IP-related documents.
The course on Alternative Dispute Resolution provides students with knowledge of mediation, arbitration, and negotiation techniques. Students learn how to facilitate conflict resolution and how to draft settlement agreements. The course includes role-playing exercises and simulations that allow students to practice their skills in a realistic setting.
Environmental Law is another advanced elective that addresses the legal challenges related to environmental protection and sustainability. Students study environmental legislation, climate change law, and natural resource management. The course includes fieldwork and research projects that allow students to engage with environmental issues and contribute to policy development.
Human Rights Law is an advanced elective that explores the legal frameworks protecting individual rights and freedoms. Students study international human rights instruments, domestic human rights legislation, and the role of courts in enforcing human rights. The course includes opportunities for students to work with NGOs and human rights organizations, gaining practical experience in advocacy and legal aid.
Project-Based Learning
The program's philosophy on project-based learning emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to engage in research projects, case studies, and simulations that mirror real-world legal challenges. The curriculum includes mandatory mini-projects in the second and third years, followed by a final-year thesis or capstone project.
The structure of the project-based learning approach is designed to develop students' analytical and research skills. Mini-projects are typically completed in groups and are evaluated based on the quality of research, presentation, and critical analysis. The final-year thesis or capstone project is a comprehensive research paper that demonstrates students' mastery of legal concepts and their ability to contribute to the field of law.
Faculty mentors guide students throughout the project process, providing feedback and support. Students are encouraged to select projects that align with their interests and career aspirations, ensuring that they are motivated and engaged in their learning. The evaluation criteria for projects include originality, depth of research, clarity of presentation, and adherence to academic standards.