PSCI 4396-502: Mock Trial

Spring 2011

Instructor Contact Information:

Michael Gunnin. FO 2.704A. (972) 883-6799.
Office hours: Tuesdays, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm or by appointment.

Course Prerequisites, Co-requisites and/or Other Restrictions:

Permission of the instructor is required.

Course description:
The course examines the Rules of Evidence and various rules of procedure. Students
will develop the critical thinking and rhetorical skills necessary for success in litigation.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes:

(1) Students will gain a detailed knowledge of the Rules of Evidence and various
rules of procedure.
(2) Students will develop the critical thinking and rhetorical skills necessary for
success in litigation.

Required Textbook and Materials:

All students will be required to download (and to keep with them at all required meetings
and tournaments) the case packet, the Rules of Evidence, and the tournament rules,
which are available from the American Mock Trial Association.

Assignments and Academic Calendar:

The class will meet on Wednesday nights from 7:00 to 9:45 in GC1.208B. In addition,
students will attend official team meetings (two hours per week) as scheduled by the
instructor. The regional tournament will occur on Feb. 4-6. The superregional
tournament will occur on any one of three weekends in March (probably Mar. 25-27).
The national tournament will occur on Apr. 15-17.

Grading Policy:
Each student will begin the semester with a base grade of 96 (A). Up to four points may
be earned through exemplary tournament performance. Points will be deducted
according to the following schedule:
Failure to respond appropriately (and within 48 hours) to an instructional email – 1 point
Late submission of an assignment – 2 points per day late
Substandard performance on a quiz or assignment – 2 points
Unexcused absence of more than 15 minutes from a class or team meeting – 3 points
Failure to perform five program-service hours – 1 point per hour missed (up to 5 points)
Unexcused absence from any part of a tournament – 20 points
(Absences and late submissions will be excused in accordance with state and federal
law, university policy and (under unusual circumstances) the instructor’s discretion).
(Other bases for point deductions may be announced through syllabus addenda).
Grades:
A+ 97-100 C+ 77-79 F 59 and below
A 93-96 C 73-76
A- 90-92 C- 70-72
B+ 87-89 D+ 67-69
B 83-86 D 63-66
B- 80-82 D- 60-62

Other:
Please see http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies for other information from the University
pertaining to this course. The instructor reserves the right to change the information
listed herein.