Professional Documents
Culture Documents
st
1 Semester
Recommended Books/Reviewers:
Persons and Family Relations by Atty. Mel Sta. Maria
Grade Range:
70s80s
Grade breakdown:
o Recitation: 1/3
o Midterms: 1/3
o Finals: 1/3
Do not rely on the curve, especially if the grade range in the block is too
far apart. Therefore, always make sure you pass the recitations and
exams.
Preparation for:
Recitations:
Midterms:
The exam is commonly essay and enumeration.
Pay attention on the topics that are emphasized in class because these
are the ones that will appear in the exams. The usual topics are, legal
separation, annulment, psychological incapacity, family home, property
regimes, and marriage.
Read the book again. Master the requisites of the topics mentioned above.
Finals:
*see Midterms
Unlike the midterms, the finals is purely an essay exam.
Never place non-Consti books on top of your desk; this will piss him off.
Recommended Books/Reviewers:
His book
Bernas Primer
The cases he cites
Grade Range:
70s to high 90s
Preparation for:
Recitations:
Read his PowerPoint presentations in advance.
Read the cases mentioned in the slides.
Relate each article of the Philippine Constitution to the U.S. Constitution.
Always be prepared to criticize how the Philippine Constitution was
written. He always says that the Philippine Constitution is verbose.
Midterms:
His exams are mostly composed of MCQs, true or false questions, and
essay questions.
For MCQs study some Bar questions and his sample exams and also
those from Fr. Bernas.
For true or false, if false, cite jurisprudence.
For essay, he prefers long but substantiated answers.
Finals:
*see Midterms
His classes are a mix of lectures and recitations based on the Criminal
Law annotation by Luis B. Reyes.
Make sure to sit in front during his classes because he has a really soft
voice.
The class beadle has to make sure that he has a microphone and a bottle
of water before the class starts.
He does not assign cases for recitation but he requires you to make
digests for 16 assigned cases, which will be submitted at the end of the
semester.
He holds recitations in rounds. A student will only be called once or twice
for the whole semester, so make it count.
If he is discussing a topic, listen carefully because he gives his own
insights, which may come out in the exam.
Do not talk with your seatmates during his class; he once walked out of a
class because some students were noisy.
Roughly 10 students fail his class every year, so make sure you study
hard all the time.
Recommended Books/Reviewers:
Reyes Book
San Beda Memory Aid for Criminal Law
1968 Reyes Reviewer
Grade Range:
60s to very high 90s
Recitation grades: 1(highest) 5(lowest)
Grade Breakdown:
Preparation for:
Recitations:
If you want to ace recitations, try to memorize the codal provisions and
know the Latin terms. Be confident and listen to his question carefully.
Almost all his questions are based on the Reyes book.
Write handwritten notes because he allows you to glance at them during
recitations.
Midterms:
To prepare for his exams, study his sample exams. Sometimes he repeats
questions from his previous exams. Also study the 1968 Reyes Reviewer,
but this has to be kept secret from him, otherwise he will not base exam
questions from it anymore.
Exams usually comprise of both essay and multiple-choice questions.
Remember to follow instructions during examinations; otherwise your
answers will have no merit.
Finals:
*see Midterms
Recommended Books/Reviewers:
The Idea of Law by Dennis Lloyd
Grade Range:
80smid 90s
He will not hesitate to give you a hundred, if you deserve it.
Preparation for:
Recitations:
Read his assigned readings.
Prepare questions for him before class.
Keep up with current events and have a stand on the matter.
Midterms:
Master his sample exams. He usually repeats his questions. However, he
adds new questions or he changes the exam type, so do not get too
complacent.
Exams are usually in essay, multiple choice questions, or true or false
format.
Try to memorize definitions from the assigned readings, especially the
ones he emphasizes in class. He gives perfect essay points to those who
are able to answer in verbatim.
Finals:
Unlike the midterms, his final exams have more new questions.
*see Midterms
She starts her class with 15 minutes of meditation. She is almost always
late, thus expect class time extensions and make-up classes.
Unlike your major subjects, preparation for her class will be a breeze. You
are only asked to read and reflect on the assigned readings.
She encourages participation in class discussions because she values
your opinion on the topic discussed. She sometimes asks questions about
the reading assignment, just to check if you have read them. However,
these recitations are not as heart pounding as those in your major
subjects. Most of the time, you volunteer to recite.
Memorize the lawyers oath and expect a quiz about it.
She gets creative with her requirements and she expects you to give your
best output. Her requirements include mind maps, reflection papers,
debate, and moot court, among others.
Read the readings for class discussion; so you will not be overwhelmed
come exam time. If you cannot read it ahead of time, divide the readings
among yourselves and compile it as a reviewer.
As a final requirement, last year she required a comprehensive group
report, complete with quantitative or qualitative data about an aspect of
the legal profession. You will be asked to submit a written report and to
present it in class. This will be time consuming and a bit of a hassle, as it
will coincide with finals week. Make sure you prepare ahead of time.
Recommended Books/Reviewers:
Assigned readings
Grade Range:
80s to low 90s
She passed everyone last year, but do not get too complacent because
she fails students.
Preparation for:
Recitations:
Recite a lot and take down the dates when you recited because
sometimes she forgets to put a grade on your class cards.
Tell her what she wants to hear. Shell tell you shes open to opposing
views but those who contradict her tend to get lower grades.
Midterms:
She does not repeat exam questions and her exams are usually in essay
format.
Answer the exams based on the reading assignments and cite these
readings to get a higher grade.
It is also important to know her stand on issues surrounding the legal
profession. In order to get good grades, use her stance on a particular
matter to answer exam questions.
Finals:
*see Midterms
Last year, there was no final exam, a comprehensive group report was the
final requirement.
Recommended Books/Reviewers:
Ateneo Law Journal citation guide
Assigned readings/cases
Grade Range:
mid 80s and above
He did not fail anyone last year. This may be an opportunity to pull up your
QPI, so do not be lax. He will base the grades on your and your recitation.
He gives heavier weight to papers, as this is a research class.
Grade breakdown:
o Recitation: 1/3
o Midterms: 1/3
o Finals: 1/3
Preparation for:
Recitations:
Read the citation guide.
In reciting cases, make sure to recite the pertinent doctrines relevant to
the subject.
Midterms:
He will be asking you to write a paper in lieu of a midterm exam.
Follow the proper format for citations in the citation guide.
You submit your paper online in your class Facebook group, so there is no
hassle for printing. Meet the deadline, it is already convenient for you,
there are no excuses left for late submissions other than cramming.
Although, he accepts late papers, there will be deductions on your paper.
Finals:
*see Midterms
Block 1F
2nd
Semester
Ateneo Orientation Seminar Committee 2015
20, Ateneo De Manila Law School, Rockwell Drive
Rockwell Center, Makati, 1200 Metro Manila
Alsorsem2015@gmail.com
The second semester is not easier than the first. But you will notice that
you got better.
Studying is still your top priority, but you are now able to balance it with
your other activities.
By this time, you now have a grip of your study habits and strategies.
However, since your professors are different, try to tweak your study
habits and strategies to the teaching style of your professors.
Atty. Chan-Gonzagas exams, together with Atty. San Pedros, will be the
bane of your 2nd semester existence. You will probably have more time to
studyuse it. But dont burn out.
Focus more on Obligations and Contracts. Not only that it is five-unit
course, but also because your professor Atty. Joseph San Pedro is
notorious for his 80% finals rule. It means that 80% of your grade in this
five-unit subject will be determined by your final exam, which is no piece of
cake.
However, do not disregard your other subjects. These subjects will help
you pull up your QPI. They can also save you from getting kicked out of
law school.
Know the rules on J.D. scholastic responsibility and the sequencing of
subjects to better prepare and strategize for the upcoming semesters.
Now that you have known your block mates better, make your bond
stronger. Cooperate in block activities, share your materials, and
encourage each other. Stop the crab mentality. After all, you have the
same goals: to survive law school, pass the bar, and be lawyers for others.
Challenge yourself to do better than your performance last semester. Start
setting goals for yourself. Whether it is being part of the honor roll, or
simply not having a grade lower than 80, it will go a long way. Goal setting
motivates you to study better and perform better in class. Just dont be too
competitive. Compete against yourself.
Recommended Books/Reviewers:
No textbooks required for his class, but these might be helpful:
o Civil Code Obligations and Contracts by Tolentino
o Obligations and Contracts by De Leon
o Obligations and Contracts by Paras
1F 2013-2014 transcription a.k.a. Trojan notes
1f 2014-2015 transcription
Grade Range:
70s to high 80s
Grade breakdown:
o Recitations: 10%
o Midterms: 10%
o Finals: 80%
Preparation for:
Recitations:
Read the original cases religiously. Theyre not very long and theyre pretty
interesting anyway. Put in the work.
Read the transcripts for you to know his comments on each topic. He
sometimes repeats his comments and jokes. Besides, you will enjoy
reading the transcripts because his jokes are funny, some jokes are green
but you are old enough for it anyway.
Digests are also helpful in spotting the important ObliCon concepts. If he
asks about concepts only, the digests alone will probably help you survive.
Midterms:
His midterms is purely essay.
This is usually a giveaway exam; the quizzes were harder than the
midterms.
Some questions were lifted from sample exams.
Read your transcripts and memorize the requisites and exceptions to
ObliCon concepts.
Finals:
The final exam was almost impossible to finish. It was 50% essay and
50% MCQ.
Read the transcripts and the original cases from the start of class because
here is where your reading and your paying attention in class would pay
off. Some questions are framed as some of the cases you have discussed.
Always make sure that your room has good air conditioning and that a
bottle of water is ready on the teachers table.
It is common knowledge that Atty. Chan-Gonzaga fails 10 people at most.
However, nobody failed in Constitutional II last year. Our guess is, she
passed everyone to make up for all her absences, tardiness, and the late
submission of our grades and exam results.
Recommended Books/Reviewers
Bernas casebook
Green book: Commentary by Fr. Bernas (comprehensive)
Primer by Fr. Bernas (summarized)
Codal
Jech Tiu digests (recitation ready digests)
The New Order a.k.a. the minion digests (comprehensive digests; longer
than the Jech Tiu digests, but incomplete toward the end)
CROMBONDS reviewer
Grade Range:
70shigh 80s for recitations
80s for exams
Grade breakdown
o Recitations: 40%
o Midterms: 20%
o Finals: 40%
She only accepts appeals for computation errors. However, you
probably have to wait a long time for the results of your appeal.
Preparation for:
Recitations:
Be confident and only give important facts.
Know by heart the rationale and the doctrine of the case.
Provisions must be recited in verbatim
If she catches you unprepared, she will ask specific details on the case.
For quizzes, make sure to read all the cases assigned even if you are not
on deck. She bases her questions on cases that are yet to be tackled in
class.
Midterms:
Ateneo Orientation Seminar Committee 2015
20, Ateneo De Manila Law School, Rockwell Drive
Rockwell Center, Makati, 1200 Metro Manila
Alsorsem2015@gmail.com
Finals:
*see Midterms
Revised Penal Code Book II by Reyes. He does not require any particular
book, but Reyes is the way!
San Beda Criminal Law II Memory aid
Grade Range:
80s-90s
He gives high grades, so make sure you do your best because it will be an
easy 90 on your part. This will help raise your QPI.
Preparation for:
Recitations:
Memorize the legal provisions in verbatim.
Know the elements of each crime.
Midterms:
Answer every question. Do not leave blanks even if you do not know the
answer because he gives partial points.
He likes it when you list down the elements of each crime.
He emphasizes on legible handwriting. It will affect your exam score.
His exams are usually long and they require deep analysis, so manage
your time wisely.
Finals:
*see Midterms
Subject: LEGAL TECHNIQUE AND LOGIC (2 unit)
Professor: ATTY. JOAQUIN OBIETA
Teaching Style:
Make sure to be prepared all the time because he gives surprise quizzes.
As a final requirement, each group in your class will submit an academic
paper applying logic concepts to current events.
He appreciates gifts and parties on special occasions.
Almost no one fails his class, as long as you do well in the exercises and
the exams. But since attendance and the exams are key factors in acing
his subject, make sure you attend class regularly. Sometimes he gets
upset on students who are frequently absent.
Recommended Books/Reviewers:
Introduction to Logic by Irving Copi and Carl Cohen
Grade Range:
80smid 90s
He will not hesitate to give you a hundred, if you deserve it.
Preparation for:
Recitations:
Study the book.
Memorize logic equations.
Keep up with current events and have a stand on the matter.
Midterms:
Master his sample exams. He usually repeats his questions. However, he
adds new questions or he changes the exam type, so do not get too
complacent.
Exams are usually in essay, multiple choice questions, or true or false
format.
Try to memorize definitions from the assigned readings, especially the
ones he emphasizes in class. He gives perfect essay points to those who
are able to answer in verbatim.
Finals:
Unlike the midterms, his final exams are problem-solving types.
During the exam, he allows you to have a codigo written in blue ink. Your
codigo should be written in one legal sized bond paper. Fit all your notes
there. Include the Latin terms of the logical fallacies.
Recommended Books/Reviewers:
Elements of Style by Strunk and White
Plain English for Lawyers by Richard Wydick
Regina Iustitae exercises reviewer
Grade Range:
70slow 80s
Preparation for:
Recitations:
The exercises are the equivalent of recitations for his class.
Study the books he assigned.
In writing for his class, always go straight to the point. Be concise.
Midterms:
For his exams, he will only ask you to submit a paper.
Follow the rules in the books he assigned.
Never be late in passing your requirements.
Finals:
*see Midterms
Subject: THEOLOGY AND SOCIAL TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH (2 units)
Professor: ATTY. JOAQUIN OBIETA
Teaching Style:
Recommended Books/Reviewers:
Living Justice: Catholic Social Teaching in Action by Thomas Massaro
Grade Range:
80smid 90s
He will not hesitate to give you a hundred, if you deserve it.
Preparation for:
Recitations:
Read his assigned readings.
Prepare questions for him before class.
Keep up with current events and have a stand on the matter.
Midterms:
Master his sample exams. He usually repeats his questions. However, he
adds new questions or he changes the exam type, so do not get too
complacent.
Exams are usually in essay, multiple choice questions, or true or false
format.
Try to memorize definitions from the assigned readings, especially the
ones he emphasizes in class. He gives perfect essay points to those who
are able to answer in verbatim.
Finals:
Unlike the midterms, his final exams have more new questions.
*see Midterms