The major in legal studies examines law as an area of liberal study. The major is designed to develop an understanding of law and legal systems; the relationship between legal thought and other disciplines such as philosophy, religion, history, and literature; the significance of law as a social institution; and the impact of law on private life. The major also enhances the analytic and critical abilities of students through close reading and analysis of legal texts.

After taking the four required courses for the major, students may either self-design the balance of the major or choose the paralegal certificate option. The self-designed major consists of seven upper level courses selected by the student with the assistance of the academic advisor to meet the academic interests and professional goals of the student. These courses might be additional legal studies courses or courses from other disciplines such as political science, public policy, economics, history or philosophy, which serve to enhance the student's understanding of law. Required courses include:

Leadership
Researching the Social World
Applied Statistics and Quantitative Analysis
American Justice Systems
American Legal History
Constitutional Law
Legal Research and Writing
Seven upper-level electives in legal studies or related fields

For more information, please contact:
Elzbieta Manos
Chair, Division of Business, Law and Public Policy
508-849-3437
emanos@annamaria.edu