Legal Studies Minor
Coordinator: Associate Professor Savchak-Trogdon
The Legal Studies Minor focuses on interactions of law and society with an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the development of law, the legal system, and their place in society, as well as offering opportunities to consider law-related issues from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. Within this minor, students engage in intense readings and deep thinking around questions such as: How does law impact our daily lives? How do social institutions shape law? And, how does law both empower and constrain our actions? Students have opportunities to learn both academic and applied aspects of the field, while critical analysis and social impact are stressed. A capstone course provides students the opportunity for integrating their knowledge on law across those two areas. Meanwhile, professional socialization is encouraged through required foundational courses, and community is built through common classes, research opportunities, extracurricular experiences, and engagement with contributing faculty outside of the classroom.
This minor serves students interested in legal careers, broader advocacy work, public policy and government administration, and business and consulting careers, as well as others who are curious to understand law and engage with it critically. The curriculum complements many major fields of study, including Business, Communication Studies. Economics, English, Environmental Studies, History, Human Service Studies, International and Global Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Public Health, Public Policy, Sociology, and Psychology.
Legal Studies minors are encouraged to explore experiences outside of the regular classroom, including internships and mentored research, along with engaging with on-campus speakers and attending events relating to legal issues and careers.
A minor in Legal Studies requires the completion of the Minor Requirements listed below.
Legal Studies Minor
Professionalization Requirement: 2 sh
Select one course from the following:
Capstone Requirement: 4 sh
Electives: 16 sh
Select from the following:
- Either LGL 4991 Independent Study (1-4 sh, max of 4 sh) or LGL 4999 Research (1-4 sh, max of 4 sh) may be substituted for up to 4 sh of electives, at the discretion of the program coordinator.
- No more than 8 sh of electives may come from the same prefix.
- Other courses may be submitted for approval as electives, at the discretion of the program coordinator.
Program Outcomes
Analyze and critically evaluate historical and contemporary legal rules, principles, and doctrines.
Read, interpret, apply, and assess legal authorities, including judicial decisions, statutes, and regulatory frameworks.
Compare, contrast, and synthesize various areas of legal study.
Examine and explain legal processes, institutions, and key legal actors with local, national, and global systems.
Evaluate the social, political, economic, and cultural influences shaping the development and evolution of law.
Assess and articulate the impact of law across diverse societal, professional, and global contexts.
Total Credit Hours: 22