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Interdisciplinary Minor in Pre-Law Studies

Pre-Law Studies

Course Information

Department Survey 

Photos of the Pre-Law Club

I. TITLE:

Interdisciplinary Minor in Pre-Law Studies

II. COORDINATOR:

Dr. Joe Hebert, Department of Political Science

III. MISSION STATEMENT:

            The Interdisciplinary Minor in Pre-Law Studies is for students interested in studying law. It has a threefold mission:

First, it seeks to encourage sustained reflection upon the relationship between law and human nature. What is the relationship between law and justice? What are the different kinds of law, and what are the grounds for obedience to these laws? What are the potential conflicts human beings face when different laws or different kinds of law come into conflict?  

            Second, it seeks to give students a practical introduction to the basic elements of the American legal system.

            Third, it seeks to provide students with the background and skills necessary for success in law school and in the field of law. Special attention will be given to logical and critical thinking, persuasive argument, and cogent speaking and writing. 

IV. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

            Pursuant to the mission statement, the Interdisciplinary Minor in Pre-Law Studies seeks to achieve the following learning objectives:

1.      Students will demonstrate careful reflection on the complex relationship between law and human nature.

2.      Students will become familiar with the basic elements of the American legal system.

3.      Students will be introduced to the legal profession.

4.      Students will acquire competency in the skills which are critical to success in law school and in the legal profession, as well as in the liberal arts generally: Logical reasoning, persuasive argument, and cogent speaking and writing.

As evidenced by the curricular structure below, requirements for the minor meet all guidelines for new General Education Interdisciplinary minors. The Minor also requires students to take courses in at least two departments, and nine hours of General Education approved courses.   

V. CURRICULAR STRUCTURE:

            In order to successfully complete the Interdisciplinary Minor in Pre-Law Studies students must satisfy the following curricular requirements, adding up to a total of fifteen hours, with the following two conditions: First, students may not count more than nine hours of Political Science toward the Minor. Second nine hours must be from approved General Education courses (marked by an asterisk below).

1. *Law and Society (PSCI 110) – 3 hours:
1. This is the foundational course of the minor, and seeks to provide a more general treatment of each element in the mission statement.
2. 2 of the following – 6 hours:
1. These courses are primarily for the purpose of meeting the second and third learning objectives.

                                                               i.      The Constitution of the United States (PSCI 303)

                                                             ii.      *Civil Liberties and the Constitution (PSCI 304)

                                                            iii.      International Law (PSCI 316)

                                                           iv.      Administrative Law and Regulations (PSCI 360)

                                                             v.      *Mock Trial (PSCI 305)

                                                           vi.      Legal Environment of Business (BUS 201)

                                                          vii.      Law and Economics (ECON 375)

                                                        viii.      Industrial Organization (ECON 327)

                                                           ix.      *Introduction to Criminal Justice (CRJU 101)

                                                             x.      Criminal Law and Procedure (CRJU 221)

3.  2 of the following - 6 hours:

1. These courses are primarily for the purpose of meeting the first and fourth part of the mission statement.

                                                               i.      *Economics Survey (ECON 101) [NOTE: Students may not take both ECON 101 AND ECON 202]

                                                             ii.      *Principles of Micro-Economics (ECON 202) [NOTE: Students may not take both ECON 101 AND ECON 202]

                                                            iii.      Law and Economics (ECON 375)

                                                           iv.      *Logic (PHIL 201)

                                                             v.      *Social/Political Philosophy (PHIL 210)

                                                           vi.      *History of Political Thought I (PSCI 307)

                                                          vii.      *Government of the United States II (PSCI 102)

                                                        viii.      Persuasive Writing (English 216)

                                                           ix.      *American Lit I (English 210) 

                                                             x.      *Shakespeare (English 303)

For more information about the Interdisciplinary Minor in Pre-Law Studies at St. Ambrose, contact Dr. Joe Hebert at Hebertjosephl@sau.edu.