It may be hard if
your background is working in a law firm, or writing on your PhD, to go back in time: it might take you
time to getting used to classes again. So, how does a typical class look like, here at Columbia?
The professor arrives – as I realize just now, so far, none has ever been late. He greets the class, and after some administrative
remarks, the game begins. Typically, professors do not like to talk (well,
there are exceptions). Rather, they limit themselves to introductory remarks,
and then they ask questions. Questions, questions, questions. They make you
think. They lead you to perspectives you have not yet thought about. They ask
for your opinion. They challenge your opinion. So it is true, Law School in the
US is very interactive. Of course, it varies from class to class. Some
professors use “cold calls”, some expect everybody to voluntarily contribute
and only threaten with “cold calls”, some say they do not do cold calls, but then ask you without warning. This interactive nature of class makes
it necessary, or more fun, if you come prepared. For every class, professors
assign readings. This comes not as surprise. Weeks before classes start, professors have distributed a syllabus, listing all readings. You are expected
to have done the readings. In most of my classes the discussion relies on
rather than discusses the readings. Hence, the readings are precondition to
know what you will be talking about. Discussions can be sometimes really
intense. First, because your fellow class mates are typically interesting and
clever personalities, coming from all over the world, each and everyone thinking very differently.
Second, because your fellow classmates are typically prepared. And third, because
typically everyone in class has an inherent interest in the very subject matter
and is eager to learn.
Sometimes, professors even invite external speakers to
classes. Thus, it may happen that your argument in class may be countered with
a mild smile and the answer: “This is an interesting thought, but actually, you
know when we drafted this provision we were thinking that…” You may discuss
with THE expert in the field… Just saying, New York may have magnetic effects…
Probably everyone has written in his letter of motivation that the
inspiring community and the discussions with world-leading scholars is one of
the main reasons for the interest in coming to Columbia. If you come here, you
will see that this is not only a wish.
And if you are here: take advantage of it! Ask as many questions as you pay tuition! Speak up! Argue! Discuss! And go for a coffee or beer afterwards! That's why you are here!
For insights to the different course offerings, and what
different types of courses (lectures, seminars, clinics, externships etc) are
offered, just check out the Columbia Law website. The Law School provides a
much more accurate and professional overview than I could give here.
