Law & Society Minor

Program Director: M. Farrar (Political Science) Advisory Committee: M. Berg (History), B. Brossman (Communication), E. Hahnenberg (Theology & Religious Studies), K. Knoll- Frey (Sociology), E. Spurgin (Philosophy), E. Stiles (Political Science)

The Law and Society (LASO) minor encourages students to see the law from numerous vantage points and at the intersection of multiple social structures. By studying law as an interdisciplinary field, students will  appreciate how legal systems are linked to patterns of class, geography, and privilege. When paired with a related major, LASO provides preparation for careers in legal practice, corrections, enforcement, and public policy, whether in a domestic or international context.

Law & Society in an interdisciplinary minor comprised of 18 credits, including one required gateway course (Introduction to Law & Society) and 15 credits of electives, 6 of which must be completed at the 300/400 level. Students may not earn both the minor in Law & Society and the previous Legal Studies concentration in Political Science.

Program Learning Goals

Students will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of law and legal institutions from multiple perspectives with a focus on the relationship between law, social structures, and political and social change.

2. Demonstrate academic and intellectual skills: critical analysis, academic writing, and oral communication.

3. Apply critical thinking skills in a social justice context and diverse world.

4. Apply legal reasoning to identify key legal issues and problem solve.

5. Be prepared, by interest, for graduate programs and/or careers related to operations of the law.

Minor Requirements

Required Course

Elective Courses (choose 15 credits from the following):

Total: 18 credits