Academic Advising Resource Center

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?

  • 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

    Learn More

    Law and Society Major Requirements
    Law and Society Department