Semester Requirements
College of Liberal Arts, Office of Student Services
(585) 475-2444, libarts@rit.edu
The minor in legal studies is for students interested in the study of law and legal institutions and in the relationship of law to other aspects of society and culture. The law extends throughout contemporary political, social, and economic systems, playing an important role in shaping the conduct of life for both individuals and institutions. It is important for students to understand the forces that shape law, the ways laws have been used and understood by a variety of people in differing historical circumstances, and the consequences of law for contemporary life. Political, sociological, historical, and philosophical approaches to legal phenomena are included in the course of study. Recognizing the critical role that law plays in societies, the minor in legal studies is designed to guide students to courses that will deepen and expand their understanding of law as practiced, especially its influence on social and economic institutions.
Required Course—Choose one of the following:
CRIM-215 Law and Society
POLS-200 Law and Society
Elective Courses—Choose four of the following:
CRIM-225 Criminal Law
CRIM-260 Courts
CRIM-315 Evidence
CRIM-489 Major Issues in Criminal Justice
POLS-325 International Law and Organizations
POLS-330 Human Rights in Global Perspective
POLS-425 Constitutional Law
POLS-430 Constitutional Rights and Liberties
POLS-460 Classical Constitutionalism, Virtue and Law
POLS-464 Modern Constitutionalism, Liberty and Equality
COMM-342 Communication Law and Ethics
COMM-362 Law and Ethics of the Press
PHIL-204 Introduction to Logic
PHIL-302 Symbolic Logic
PHIL-304 Philosophy of Law
PHIL-403 Social and Political Philosophy
SOCI-310 U.S. Housing Policy
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Click to view minor requirements in the Quarter Calendar
Quarter Curriculum - For Reference Only
Effective fall 2013, RIT will convert its academic calendar from quarters to semesters. The following content has been made available as reference only. Currently matriculated students who began their academic programs in quarters should consult their academic adviser for guidance and course selection.
The minor in legal studies is for students interested in the study of law and legal institutions and in the relationship of law to other aspects of society and culture. The law extends throughout contemporary political, social, and economic systems, playing an important role in shaping the conduct of life for both individuals and institutions. It is important for students to understand the forces that shape law, the ways laws have been used and understood by a variety of people in differing historical circumstances, and the consequences of law for contemporary life. Political, sociological, historical, and philosophical approaches to legal phenomena are included in the course of study. Recognizing the critical role that law plays in societies, the minor in legal studies is designed to guide students to courses that will deepen and expand their understanding of law as practiced, especially its influence on social and economic institutions.
Required Course:
0513-464 Law and Society
Elective Courses—Choose two courses from each group
Group A: Theoretical and Historical Approaches to Law
0501-444 Concepts in Criminal Law
0501-522 Victimless Crime
0507-446 American Slavery, American Freedom
0507-467 Disabilities in American History
0507-495 The Civil Rights Movement in 20th Century U.S. History
0509-446 Philosophy of Law
0513-457 Constitutional Law
0513-463 First Amendment, Liberty, and Deliberative Democracy
0513-514 Political Theory
0515-509 Social Policy
0535-448 Rhetoric of Free Speech
Group B: Operations and Impacts of Law
0501-402 Crime, Justice, and Social Diversity
0501-405 Major Issues in the Criminal Justice System*
0501-409 Legal Rights of the Offender
0501-456 Courts
0501-506 Evidence
0501-527 Seminar in Law
0508-484 Environmental Policy
0513-447 Human Rights and Global Perspectives
0513-456 Judicial Process
0513-460 Constitutional Rights and Liberties
0513-465 Modern Constitutionalism, Equality, and Liberty
0513-487 International Law and Organizations
* Major Issues (0501-405) may include any of the following topics: Fundamentals of Legal Research I, Cyberlaw, Issues in Criminal Prosecution, or Federal Crime and Justice.