Narrative Jurisprudence James R. Elkins College of Law / West Virginia University Examination Question [for students in James McLaughlin's Jurisprudence Class] [Fall semester, 2002] Examination Question: In what ways does the "narrative perspective" expand, extend, or call into question, the definition, methods of study, and conventional thinking associated with "traditional jurisprudence"? If you find the term "traditional jurisprudence" troublesome, then you are welcome to answer the following question: In what ways does the "narrative perspective" expand, extend, or call into question, the definition, methods of study, and ways of thinking associated with jurisprudence? Form & Page Limitation of Answer: Your answer to the question should be typewritten and confined to 4 pages (double space, 1 inch margins)(pages should be numbered). If you decide that your answer works best when framed with a more explicit statement on the nature of your present understanding of "traditional jurisprudence," or jurisprudence as you have been introduced to it, you may elect to submit a 1 page Prologue/Appendix to the 4 page answer (again, double space, 1 inch margins) outlining this understanding. You may elect to have the Prologue/Appendix included for purposes of grading or excluded. I will assume it is to be graded unless marked: "Do Not Grade." Retain a Copy of the Exam: Please retain a copy of the Examination answer for your own files. It will provide documentation in the unforeseen case that something should happen to the examination answers. Strategies in Responding to the Question: I use the term "narrative perspective" because there is little to be gained in spending inordinate time troubling yourself for purposes of this examination question with a "definition" of narrative jurisprudence. My assumption (one which you may not have adopted and if not will want to explain) is that with narrative we learn something about jurisprudence (if not what it is or what it could or should be). Consequently, the best (obvious) approach to the question would be to draw on the stories we read (and the class discussion of those stories) to see what they reveal about jurisprudence (which you may have elected to comment on in the elective 1 page Prologue/Appendix). In addition, to the assigned stories, you are welcome to make reference to other stories/narratives which aid you in explaining how the narrative perspective affects or transforms one's understanding of jurisprudence. If you conclude, after reading the assigned materials and stories, that narratives (either those assigned, nor those you could imagine being assign) and the narrative perspective do not provide a "different" way of thinking about jurisprudence, you are welcome to build that judgment into your answer. If you take this view, you should address the issue, again, through the stories we have read (rather than from the view of the scholarly critique of narrativists scholarship). While the question should be answerable using the assigned materials (and related websites made available on the Narrative Jurisprudence assignments page), you are welcome to draw on any sources you may choose. Be aware, however, that in turning to these sources you may be turning away from the best source–the stories themselves. Further Restrictions: Keep in mind that you are answering an examination question and should treat it accordingly. Your answer to the examination question is to be your own work. You are not prohibiting from general conversations with fellow students in which the Examination Question might be discussed but are expected to draw the line between general conversation and seeking out or attaining personal help in answering the question. Communication with the Instructor: If you should have any questions about the examination you are welcome to email me. If you raise a question that seems appropriate I will post the question on the website (anonymously) and my response. Due Date for the Examination Question: Your answer for the examination question will be due on December 3rd, no later than 4 P.M. It should be turned in to Karen Feathers, my secretary, in Room 117. Grading: The examination answers will be promptly reviewed and evaluated by Professor Elkins. Your grade on the examination will be provided to Professor McLaughlin who will assign it an appropriate weight in determining your final grade for the course. A Final Word: I've enjoyed my work with you and wish to express my appreciation to Professor McLaughlin for his invitation to participate in he course.