Degree Requirements

Legal Studies Concentration Requirements

Complete a minimum of six courses:

• LS 101 - Introduction to Legal Studies(preferably taken in the first or second year) 

Five additional courses from an approved list (available each semester from the Director of Legal Studies):

• No more than two courses may come from the same department or program 

• At least three courses must be at the 200 level or above 

At least one course on theories or philosophies of what law as a concept means, what social purpose it serves, to what spheres of life it ought to extend, and how it ought to function in society. These courses encourage students to examine law as an abstract ideal. Examples of courses that fulfill this distribution might include: 

At least one course on lived realities of the law in the United States. Those courses examine how the law works or has played out in reality and might focus on case law, case studies, legal ethnography, policy analysis, institutional law/policy, or similar content. Examples might include, among others: 

At least one course on international law or a legal system other than common law. Students gain an important understanding of laws and legal systems that emerge differently in different times and places. These courses consider international law or systems other than the common law. Examples of courses that fulfill the international/comparative requirement might include, among others: