Law and Society
Why take courses in Law and Society?
Law frames the way we live as a society. It helps to resolve socially contentious issues while guiding those policies that affect our social institutions and relationships. Society in turn, plays a role in how we make, interpret and experience the law and related social policies and practices. The Law and Society Program examines this dynamic relationship from a liberal arts perspective.
What kinds of questions does Law and Society explore?
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How do we know what actions are right and wrong and establish policies based on our understanding?
- How does law frame the way we live as a society?
- What is international law and how does it impact global politics?
What advice would you give students interested in taking courses in Law and Society?
Due to the flexible nature of the program, students can pursue their own curricular and cocurricular interests through our courses that explore philosophical, political, economic, historical, sociological, ethical, scientific, and religious issues. These issues are central to understanding the role of law and legal institutions in society.
Taking Courses
Courses for non-majors or general interest
- LAWS 200
Getting started in the major
Courses recommended for the major come from many departments. Students interested in the Law and Society program should seek courses that have sections within them focused on law-related topics.
Advanced Placement Credit
Law and Society does not accept AP/ HL-IB credits. Refer to the AP/IB chart for complete information about AP test scores.
Majoring in Law and Society
Provided are two examples of how a student could distribute courses required for the major over three or four years. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.
Sample Four-Year Plans
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | PHIL 1XX | HIST XXX |
| Y2 | LAWS 200 RELG 2XX |
PHIL 2XX SOCI 2XX |
| Y3 | HIST XXX | PHIL 2XX RELG 2XX |
| Y4 | RELG 3XX | LAWS 500 |
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | ||
| Y2 | ECON 2XX POLT 2XX |
ECON 2XX POLT 2XX |
| Y3 | ECON 3XX PHIL 2XX |
Study Away |
| Y4 | POLT 2XX | POLT 3XX LAWS 500 |
Related Areas of Study
Africana Studies; Anthropology; Comparative American Studies; Economics; Environmental Studies; Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies; Geosciences; History; Philosophy; Politics; Psychology; Religion; Sociology
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Law and Society Major Requirements
Law and Society Department