Pre-law Course Descriptions
*PHIL 282 Logic and Critical Thinking 3 SH
Introduction to deductive and inductive rules of reasoning with attention to both formal and informal fallacies. Emphasis on practical applications of critical thinking to everyday problems. (Spring 2005)
THEO 341 Biblical Theology of Peace and Justice 3 SH
Includes study of the Old Testament creation, fall, deliverance, covenant, law, prophetic critique; the New Testament and early church portrayal of Jesus; and consideration of how the biblical vision of peace and justice applies to our modern world.
*POSC 302 Constitutional Issues (New course – replaces *POSC 302 Contemporary Political Issues ) 3 SH
Historical constitutional law developments are presented, as are comparative constitutional approaches across diverse governments. Students work with landmark constitutional cases to develop basic legal reading skills. Selected domestic and international constitutional issues are researched, briefs written, and arguments orally debated in class. Stresses analytical, advocacy, and research skills. (Spring 2005)
*POSC 341 Human Rights and Dignity 3 SH
Surveys fundamental conventions, tribunals, truth commissions, and ethics underlying the effort to further human rights worldwide. Via case studies past and present, as well as virtual links to human rights advocates in other countries, this course draws students into problem-solving on domestic and international fronts. There is also some exposure to the United Nations system and the work of non-governmental organizations. (Fall 2005)
*JPCS 441 Doing Justice 3 SH
Organized around a question implied by Micah 6:8—What does justice require? An introduction to qualitative interviewing and an overview of the emerging field of restorative justice. Participants will listen to what “real people” believe justice requires, then feed this into an exploration of the principles and practices of restorative justice. (Fall 2006)
*JPCS 392 Criminal Justice and Peacemaking 3 SH
A basic and critical introduction to the principles and operation of the American criminal justice system and an exploration of important issues in the field (e.g. role of victims, race, the death penalty). Critical perspectives are drawn from a variety of peacemaking traditions, including the field of restorative justice. (Spring 2006)
*PHIL 352 Politics: Conceptions of Common Good 3 SH
Examination of competing theories and conceptualizations of justice in human arrangements. Theories articulated by Plato, Hobbes, and contemporary libertarian, communitarian, utilitarian and fairness-based thinkers are explored. Limited applications of the theories to questions of distributive justice are presented. (Spring 2005)
*PHIL 331 Ethics: Conceptions of the Personal Good 3 SH
Students encounter classical conceptions of ethics and morality articulated by Aristotle, Kant, Mill and the traditions of ethical virtue. The course will explore the relative importance of reason, character and good consequences in determining the right and the good. (Fall 2006)
* POSC 342 Law, Values, and Worldview 3 SH
Apart from the Shared Curriculum Senior Seminar, pre-law seniors (or juniors) enroll in this capstone to integrate their chosen major, the pre-law minor, and their prospective paths for the study and application of law. Students engage one another and students in other countries to examine "the vocation of law." Options from legal practice (law school path) to mediation, alternative dispute resolution, conflict transformation, human rights regime-building and international development are considered. Calls upon pre-law minors from diverse majors to craft a worldview that reflects on the possible contributions of a law-related vocation. Some strategizing and skill-building for graduate school admission tests (LSAT, GRE).
POSC 481/2/3 Pre-law Internship 1-3 SH
Minors would enter a school-year or summer-session internship through their major. Some options would be in the immediate area, while others would tap into EMU and MCC programs in Washington , New York , and abroad. These might include paralegal work, mediation work, VORP, WCSC, SALT, or the MCC U.N. Liaison. Note: Students completing an internship/practicum for their major (e.g. Business, JPCS, etc.) can use this to satisfy the pre-law internship.
