Legal Studies, Certificate
(Code 420-603)
The Certificate in Legal Studies is designed for those students interested in law school or paralegal work who have a strong interest in providing evidence of coursework in law. Students will be given the opportunity to concentrate coursework in legal studies, develop skill in preparing legal briefs, and develop skill in participating in Socratic dialogue as practiced in law schools and other arenas that teach law. The certificate in Legal Studies provides a liberal arts approach to the study of law and is not intended to provide the kind of clerical training associated with some paralegal training.
Currently enrolled degree-seeking students are eligible to complete a certificate in Legal Studies. This certificate is not intended for political science comprehensive majors with a legal studies emphasis.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students are required to earn a total of 18 credits toward the certificate. | ||
| Required Courses (12 crs) | ||
| POLS 110 | American National Politics | 3 |
| POLS 338 | Judicial Politics | 3 |
| POLS 403 | U.S. Constitutional Principles - Powers of Government | 3 |
| POLS 404 | U.S. Constitutional Principles - Civil Liberties | 3 |
| The remaining six credits are to be selected from: | 6 | |
| Freedom of Speech | ||
| Mock Trial | ||
| Survey of U.S. Constitutional Principles (take before POLS 403, POLS 404) | ||
| Introduction to Legal Advocacy and Moot Court | ||
| International Organization and Law | ||
| Congress and the Presidency | ||
| U.S. Constitutional Principles - Due Process and Criminal Law | ||
| U.S. Constitutional Principles - Equality and Privacy | ||
| Internship (provided it is with a law firm or local government office) | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
NOTE: Students cannot pursue the Political Science Major and Legal Studies Certificate to meet graduation requirements for completing a first and second degree program.
Junior standing and POLS 110, are prerequisites for 400 level classes. All of these courses are regularly offered in the department.
Students seeking a certificate in Legal Studies will be assigned a pre-law advisor within the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes:
- Communication Skills: Political Science students will be able to write and speak effectively.
- Research Skills: Political Science students will be able to construct research questions and use appropriate sources and methods to answer them.
- Knowledge of Constitutional Law and Legal Arguments: Political Science, Legal Studies students will analyze U.S. Supreme Court cases and contending legal arguments.