Course Details

Narrative Structures: Law, Literature, Journalism, Film

This course will compare the narrative techniques of novelists, journalists, film directors, and trial lawyers. In particular, the course will explore the devices employed by narrators to use stories as a means of persuasion. While trial lawyers are understood to be advocates, the persuasive aspect of storytelling is not always evident in other contexts. By examining novels, plays, films, and newspaper accounts, we will learn to identify the narrator’s point of view, whether it is evident or concealed, while searching out alternative or suppressed stories that might also be supported by the same facts.

Catalog Number: LAWSTUDY 642
Practice Areas: Perspective viewpoint
Additional Course Information: Open to First Year Students


Course History

Fall 2023
Title: Narrative Structures: Law, Literature, Journalism, Film
Faculty: Lubet, Steven (courses | profile)
Section: 1     Credits: 3.0
Capacity: 50     Actual: 39

Fall 2022
Title: Narrative Structures: Law, Literature, Journalism, Film
Faculty: Lubet, Steven (courses | profile)
Section: 1     Credits: 3.0
Capacity: 70     Actual: 31

Spring 2022
Title: Narrative Structures: Law, Literature, Journalism, Film
Faculty: Lubet, Steven (courses | profile)
Section: 1     Credits: 3.0
Capacity: 70     Actual: 67