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Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Interdisciplinary Minor in Pre-law Studies

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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, as well as familiarity with other legal systems and with the history of legal thought and practice.

            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. CURRICULAR STRUCTURE:

Total credits: 18

Foundational Course: PSCI 110 Law and Society

 Goal one – one of the following courses:

            CRJU 400 (Criminological Theory)

            PHIL 210 (Social/Political Philosophy)

            PSCI 307 (Law in Political Thought)

            THEO 362 (Social Justice)

Goal two – two of the following courses:

            COMM 432 (Communication Law)

            CRJU 221 (Criminal Law and Procedure)

            CRJU 411 (The Constitution and Criminal Justice)

            CRJU 499 (Comparative Justice Systems)

            ENG 303 (Shakespeare)

            HIST 315 (Advanced Topics in History – permission required)

            HIST 357 (Revolutionary America)

            PSCI 304 (US Constitution & Civil Liberties)

            PSCI 360 (Administrative Law)

            PSYC 321 (Psychology and Law)

            PSYC 325 (Psychology of Criminal Behavior)

            SOC 120 (Social Problems)

            SOC 235 (Deviant Behavior)

Goal three – one of the following courses:

            COMM 328 (Argumentation and Advocacy)

            COMM 329 (Business and Professional Speaking)

            ENG 216 (Persuasive Writing)

            ENG 315 (Written Business Communication)

            LAT 101 (Introduction to Latin)

            PHIL 201 (Logic)

            PSCI 305 (Mock Trial)

Capstone Course – PSCI 400, or any 3-credit capstone in the student’s major (permission required).

 No more than 12 hours of Political Science; at least 9 hours of General Education courses.

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