Global challenges and global skills

Lessons from the revision of a law degree study plan in Mexico

Abstract

This article presents the intention, process, and results of a recent revision of the law degree study plan at Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), a university located in Mexico City. It reflects on the main lessons derived from this experience, so that its reading can be useful for other educational institutions that pursue similar purposes. The curricular reform described in this article responds to the need for modernization given the characteristics of current legal practice, as well as the purpose of improving the learning experience of students during their degree through effective and motivating pedagogy, in addition to a balanced workload.

The revision process started with a solid exercise of international, external, and internal consultations. The proposal derived from this exercise was subject to an open and collaborative dialogue with university authorities and the faculty of the Law Department. This is how the new curriculum is built, with the purpose of ensuring that graduates of this academic program develop knowledge, skills and attitudes enabling them to act as agents of social transformation, perform successfully in the different areas of the legal profession, and respond appropriately to changes in legal systems.