Law And Society

Concentration Advisory Board: Dr. Mark Tunick   Dr. Keith Jakee

The concentration in law and society seeks to give students a deep understanding of the role law plays in resolving conflicts within and between societies and in realizing a just political order. The study of law and justice has a rich humanistic tradition and involves reflection on fundamental values from multiple perspectives. Students may address topics such as abortion rights, civil rights, environmental protection, euthanasia, or the insanity defense by drawing on disciplines such as political science, sociology, philosophy, economics, literature, history, anthropology, the natural sciences, and psychology. Students also have the opportunity to enhance their communication skills by taking advantage of public speaking opportunities including participation in moot court.

The law and society concentration is excellent preparation for students intending to attend law school. It is not, however, a "pre-law" program. Law schools do not require applicants to have any prior knowledge of the law, and assume that students will learn all they need to know to practice law while in law school. The intention of the law and society concentration is not to provide the knowledge one acquires in law school about the "black letter law," or what the law is in a given jurisdiction, but rather to use the law as a focal point in the students' liberal arts education. Law schools seek applicants with strong critical thinking and communication skills and a commitment to the study of law; completion of a law and society concentration should demonstrate that these criteria are amply met.

Depending on their selection of courses and use of electives outside the concentration, students concentrating in law and society can be prepared to do graduate work in a number of disciplines such as political science, history, or sociology; students considering these options should consult faculty in those areas. A law and society concentration provides excellent preparation for law or business school or careers in fields such as journalism, public affairs, education, and government.

Available Options: Concentration in Law and Society; Minor concentration
Note: students may also meet concentration requirements by using an alternate 'Institutions' version of this concentration.