Student Directed Reading Group: (Topic Selected)

• Course Number: LAW-585
• Credits: 1
• Enrollment Limit: 13
• Description: Student-directed reading groups may be on any topic relevant to law or legal studies, subject to the approval of the faculty advisor. Student organizers are responsible for selecting a general topic, developing a syllabus, assigning student discussion leaders for each session, and participating in the group throughout the semester. Faculty advisors, in consultation with student organizers, may establish prerequisite classes, experience, or background.

Faculty sponsors are expected to attend class sessions. Student-directed reading groups are a credit/no credit class.

The Law School Curriculum Committee has specified additional Requirements and Guidelines that should be followed by SDRG student organizers and faculty sponsors/advisors. Note that adjunct faculty members are not eligible to serve as a faculty advisor without prior approval from the Associate Dean of Faculty.

• Restrictions: First year students may not enroll in a Student Directed Reading Group (SDRG). Other students may take one (1) SDRG per semester, but no more than a total of two (2) SDRGs for credit during their time at the law school.
• Additional Information: If you are interested in starting an SDRG, take the following steps.

1. Read, understand, and follow the Requirements and Guidelines.

2. Complete the Student Directed Reading Group application form and submit it to the Registrar no later than three weeks before the start of the term requested. The application form can also be picked up at the Registrar’s office.

• Evaluation method: Class participation, weekly readings, and a presentation.
• Capstone: No
• WIE: No

Previously Offered Student Directed Reading Groups

Spring 2017

Asylum Law and Family Detention (585-CC) 

This course will explore the realities of seeking asylum within the United States. Students will meet weekly to discuss assigned readings on the topic of asylum law and family detention. We will cover the various agencies, legislation, and other driving forces involved, as well as the implications they have on those seeking asylum. Each student will be required to present at least one week’s topic and lead that week’s group discussion. We will be joined by attorneys and advocates through the semester. Students will be highly encouraged to participate in related volunteer activities in order to make this a well-rounded educational experience. Regular attendance is required. This course has no pre-requisites. Immigration Law is recommended, but not required.

ABILA Subcommittee for US Compliance with International Human Rights Law (585-DD) 

Students will review incoming presidential administration policies for compliance with US party treaties and binding international law regarding human rights. Students will report on a topic of their choice and potential violations will be reported to the ABILA subcommmittee for review. Regular attendance is required. Each student will be required to present at least one week’s topic and lead that week’s group discussion.

Fall 2016 

Juvenile Justice in Oregon (585-BB)

Our group will meet on Wednesdays to discuss readings (articles, cases, legislation) on Oregon’s juvenile justice system from its roots to where it’s headed. On every other Saturday, we will meet at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility to meet with incarcerated youth and hear first-hand experiences on the material we’re studying. We will also be joined by attorneys, legislators, and professors on these Saturday meetings to further provide context on the readings.

Spring 2016 

Clean Power Plan (585-AA)

This course will take an in-depth look at the Clean Power Plan, a federal regulation finalized by the EPA and published in the Federal Register on October 23, 2015. This course will examine the legal basis for the rule under sec. 111(a) of the Clean Air Act, challenges to the legality of the rule, and the likely impact of the rule on the energy sector whether or not the rule is upheld. State-level implementation plans are a key component of the rule and the course. Primary materials will include the Final Rule, the Proposed Rule, relevant sections of the Clean Air Act, legal briefs of challengers, and other federal regulations issued in conjunction with the Clean Power Plan.

Criminal Injustice (585-Z)

As future attorneys, we have an ethical obligation to acknowledge and ameliorate the problems in our criminal justice system. In this group, we will discuss the detrimental effect America’s mass incarceration has on the African American community. Through open dialogue and “the secular bible for a new social movement” (as Cornel West described The New Jim Crow), each student will consider how they might play a part in ending racial injustice.