Legal Studies Minor

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Director: Edward T. Egan

The minor in legal studies provides students from any major with an interdisciplinary understanding of the law, which is a fundamental aspect of life and the world. It is applicable for students interested in graduate school in anthropology, criminal justice, economics, history, international relations, philosophy, sociology or women’s studies; and it would be appropriate for students who plan to work in government, politics, social policy or private industry.

In addition, students who complete the program will gain skills necessary for competency in law school and the legal profession.

According to the American Bar Association this requires:

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Critical reading skills

Writing skills

Oral communication and listening skills

General research skills

Task organization and management skills

Program Requirements

The legal studies minor requires students to complete six courses with no more than two of them from the same discipline. All minors must have a course combination approved by the director of the Legal Studies Program.

Students must take two of the following three-credit courses from the list below, at least one of which must be PHIL 326 , SOC 240, PSCI 315 or PSYCH 375.

BUS 301 - Business Law I
CJUST 317 - Criminal Law
PHIL 326 - Philosophy of Law
PSCI 116 - Law and the Legal System: A Citizen’s Guide
PSCI 238 - Religious Values in the Public Square
PSCI 315 - The Supreme Court and Constitutional Law
PSYCH 375 - Psychology and Law
SOC 240 - Law and Society

Students also must take four electives.

Note

In addition, relevant independent studies (including mock trial), internships and special topics courses may be counted toward the minor, with the prior approval of the director.