LS Course Descriptions

Legal Studies (2009-2010)

An introduction to the study of law, its structure, and legal institutions from a cross-cultural and historical perspective. This interdisciplinary course examines the origins of legal systems and their impact on society. Included is an analysis of the diverse historical, political, economic, and cultural conditions under which law arises and functions within society.

An interdisciplinary approach to the study of crime and social control in a historical and cross-cultural context. The course introduces students to basic concepts and issues related to the study of crime including criminal law, clinical criminology, the pre-history of formal criminology, prison writings, and sources of information about crime.

This course provides an introduction to feminist legal thought with a particular focus on Canadian cases, legislation, law reform, and legal literature. Included is an analysis of the ways in which law contributes to women's legal, social, political, and economic status as well as the manner in which the law is used as a mechanism of social change for women. The intersection of gender with age, race, ethnicity, religion, and class will be addressed.

An introduction to research methods employed in criminology and legal studies including the manner in which research problems are formulated, legal and ethical constraints in conducting research, and strategies of research design and execution.

Senior seminar on selected topics in legal studies from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Senior seminar on selected topics in legal studies from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Selected study and assignments under the direction of a faculty member who teaches courses in legal studies and criminology.