Academic Catalog

2025-2026

Legal Studies (LS)

LS 101 - Introduction to Legal Studies (4 Credit Hours)

Law is simultaneously everywhere, all at once, and nowhere in particular. What is law, exactly? Where does it come from? Why and how does it matter? Drawing on a variety of disciplinary and scholarly traditions (including history, philosophy, politics, and others), students in this course will consider some of the ways that law organizes contemporary life. We will pay particular attention to the law’s historical evolution, legal institutions and actors, and questions about the law’s authority and legitimacy. Readings and discussions focus on the United States but briefly address comparative and global perspectives as well. This course serves as the foundation of the Legal Studies concentration.

LS 150 - Pre-Law Practicum (1 Credit Hour)

This course offers an introduction to the possibilities and practicalities of pursuing a legal career. Students will learn about applying to and being successful in law school, networking opportunities with current professionals, and exploring their own interests and values. If you think you might want to go to law school, or if you are curious about a career in law, this course will help you understand what that entails.

LS 199 - Legal Studies Transfer Course (1-4 Credit Hours)

A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit.

LS 299 - Legal Studies Transfer Course (1-4 Credit Hours)

A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit.

LS 361 - Directed Study (1-4 Credit Hours)

A student in good standing may work intensively in areas of special interest under the Directed Study plan. A Directed Study is appropriate when, under the guidance of a faculty member, a student wants to explore a subject more fully than is possible in a regular course or to study a subject not covered in the regular curriculum. A Directed Study should not normally duplicate a course that is regularly offered. Directed Studies are normally taken for 3 or 4 credits. A one-semester Directed Study is limited to a maximum of 4 credit hours. Note: Directed Studies may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements.

LS 362 - Directed Study (1-4 Credit Hours)

A student in good standing may work intensively in areas of special interest under the Directed Study plan. A Directed Study is appropriate when, under the guidance of a faculty member, a student wants to explore a subject more fully than is possible in a regular course or to study a subject not covered in the regular curriculum. A Directed Study should not normally duplicate a course that is regularly offered. Directed Studies are normally taken for 3 or 4 credits. A one-semester Directed Study is limited to a maximum of 4 credit hours. Note: Directed Studies may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements.

LS 363 - Independent Study (1-4 Credit Hours)

Independent Study engages a student in the pursuit of clearly defined goals. In this effort, a student may employ skills and information developed in previous course experiences or may develop some mastery of new knowledge or skills. A proposal for an Independent Study project must be approved in advance by the faculty member who agrees to serve as the project advisor. Note: Independent Studies may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements.

LS 364 - Independent Study (1-4 Credit Hours)

Independent Study engages a student in the pursuit of clearly defined goals. In this effort, a student may employ skills and information developed in previous course experiences or may develop some mastery of new knowledge or skills. A proposal for an Independent Study project must be approved in advance by the faculty member who agrees to serve as the project advisor. Note: Independent Studies may not be used to fulfill General Education requirements.

LS 399 - Legal Studies Transfer Course (1-4 Credit Hours)

A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit.