Small Sections

"With 35 students instead of 90... faculty can teach more effectively because they are in a better position to be educating students individually."

Professor Joel K. Goldstein
Professor of Law

In order to ensure the success of first year students, the School of Law offers two classes each semester in which approximately 35 students and one professor gather together to discuss law on a more personal level. Students have the benefit of individualized attention from their professors, as well as an atmosphere conducive to open discussion with their fellow classmates. This sort of environment fosters communication between peers, as well as allows professors to better understand student needs on a case-by-case basis.

Small group sessions can contribute to a more thorough understanding of the process of legal analysis. With the increased ability to provide feedback to students, professors can hone in on individual needs and target areas of confusion early on in a student's academic career.

Opportunities for class participation are heightened in small group settings. Through participation, students learn to become more comfortable with the idea of asking questions -the more questions they ask, the more they will prepare their minds to think critically, thus preparing them for the Socratic dialogue used in law school