A Syllabus A Day

On the one hand, I much prefer to have an overview of a course before it starts, so that I can enjoy the delusion of having some control over my studies. On the other hand, I wish I could enjoy a few days of spring break without getting the syllabi for upcoming classes. The instant I get them, I have to start working on them...

One thing I've learned works well for me is to take the syllabus and turn it into a skeleton outline immediately. I have my format that I like to use, with headings and whatnot. Then I go through and put in all the briefs I can, so even if I don't understand the cases I at least have a few lines for facts and rule and holding. I can get a class done in a day or two, depending on how case-heavy it is.

As the quarter progresses, I drop in notes from class and black-letter law drawn from commercial outlines or wherever--rarely from class or cases, of course. So by the end of the quarter I have a massive outline done. It's long but super-comprehensive. Then I condense it once or twice or thrice...

Anyway. I have Bankruptcy and Land Use done. Roman Law, I think, will be syllabusless. And the Hammer never hands out a syllabus, as far as I know. I have not, however, done diddly-squat on paper or Comment. I'm going to be in soooo much trouble.