Law and Society, BA

The Law and Society Major will provide students with an understanding of the place of law in economic, cultural, political, and social life. Rather than reflecting universal or natural laws, legal systems intersect with social structures and systems of stratification.  Laws can mediate or exacerbate conflicts, reinforce or help to change social norms, determine access to institutions, and even regulate personal reproductive decisions and define intimate relationships. The major will include courses relating to a wide array of areas of study, including the criminal justice system; immigration law and policy; housing and residential segregation by race and social class; reproductive and marital rights; religious freedom; public welfare systems; and other historical and contemporary complexities at the intersection of law and society. Courses will examine how laws get made, how they evolve, and whether and how they are enforced. Courses will also delve into the impact of laws and legal systems, and how they shape social life by constraining some actions and enabling others. They will also elucidate how the law patterns inequality by race, ethnicity, nativity, religion, gender, and sexuality. The Law and Society major benefits students upon graduation with a wide range of opportunities including the pursuit of graduate studies in law, engaging in policy work, and other careers in the public and private sectors where a holistic understanding of the intersection of law and various aspects of society is beneficial.

Curriculum

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.