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So, I took four substantive courses last semester (as a 2L) and was brutal. Fortunately, my grades are good.

However, I would like pick "easier" classes this semester to have an lighter workload this semester. Are seminar classes easier/lighter workload than substantive courses? What other classes would 2L/3Ls recommend?

What are seminar versus substantive classes? We have "bar" courses, which are subjects that are covered on the bar. Are those "substantive" courses, and non-bar courses the "seminar" courses?

Took a 2-credit seminar last semester that took up more time, week-to-week, than did my 3 substantive courses (evidence/admin/conlaw). Fluffy lecture classes are the way to go, IMO.

take stuff like women and the law, or psychology and the law (anything with that behind it is usually a bit easier). Also what about practice classes where they are graded P/F like trial methods or something? Clinics or externship credit? Credit from another college at your school (business class)?

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acrossthelake wrote:Ask people at your school. I asked a bunch of 3Ls to tell me the best, the hardest, and the easiest courses they had taken and created a list. The title doesn't always make it obvious.

+1


Every school is going to be a bit different. In general "bar" courses will be harder than "seminar" classes, but your best bet is to ask 3Ls at your school.

If your school publishes grade curves, look at those. Then take those classes.

Though I second taking "practice"-type classes (Trial Ad, ADR, transactional drafting, etc.) because they're helpful in the real world and usually those profs give mostly A's. I also think bar classes that people shy away from are good (like Family Law), but only if you're at a top school where most people are doing BigLaw.

I don't think anyone can tell you the right answer. You never know how hard a class will be until you see the students in it that you will be going up against. You might signup for the easiest class, but if it is curved and is full of gunners and law review, you're screwed. Conversely, you might signup for the hardest class, but if it is full of slackers, you're probably getting an A.

I actually decided to take mostly doctrinal courses. I find them easier. I can do a doctrinal course never reading for class, and just taking notes, outlining, and taking a few practice exams.

Doesn't an "easier" course make it harder to be at the top?