UMASS LEGAL STUDIES EXPLORING OUR MAJOR THE FIELD

UMASS LEGAL STUDIES EXPLORING OUR MAJOR

THE FIELD OF LEGAL STUDIES & THE MAJOR AT UMASS Legal Studies is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of law and society. The major is housed in the Department of Political Science within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. There is no minor in Legal Studies. The purpose of this multifaceted program is to develop the study of law within a liberal arts framework and to explore the ways in which law is connected with other disciplines pertinent to an understanding of society. For students interested in law school, note that the UMass Legal Studies major is an education about law as a social and political product, whereas law school is education in rules and procedures. The critical, social scientific approach of the program encourages students to investigate and develop their attitudes toward law, politics, and society within the context of a growing literature of Legal Studies and related disciplines. The major also emphasizes issues central to public life such as democracy, citizenship, participation, inequality, global forces, institutions, and governance.

CAREER OPTIONS WITH A LEGAL STUDIES MAJOR A MAJOR IN LEGAL STUDIES CAN LEAD TO A WIDE VARIETY OF CAREERS, GRAD SCHOOL OR LAW SCHOOL The focus of Legal Studies is to help students become informed, active, well-rounded, critical thinkers about law and society. Modern society is increasingly dominated by law and legal consciousness, and legal literacy is important for many careers. Legal Studies can prepare you to enter fields including law enforcement, criminal justice, court administration, government, public policy, business, and teaching. Legal Studies graduates may work as legal assistants, mediators, law enforcement officials, human rights advocates, teachers, reporters, authors, communications specialists, law clerks and more. Some Legal Studies graduates go on to law school. Legal Studies is a useful preparation for graduate work in such fields as political science, psychology, history, anthropology, natural sciences, journalism, economics, or sociology.

THE MAJOR (FOR STUDENTS ADMITTED TO UMASS FALL 2018 OR AFTER) SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MAJOR REQUIREMENTS FOR THOSE ENTERING UMASS PRIOR TO FALL 2018 Legal Studies 250 Introduction to Legal Studies Seven Legal Studies courses 200 -400 level (excluding 250, 296, 298, 396, 450, 496, 498 -499). One course must be an Integrative Experience (IE) course Legal Studies 450 Legal Research and Writing (Junior Year Writing requirement) Three law-related liberal arts courses outside the department selected from the department approved list Global Law & Society requirement: complete at least three courses (or nine credits) by choosing one of the following paths: (a) three courses from the Global Law & Society list (two must be Legal Studies, only one can be at the 100 -level), (b) two courses study abroad, one class from the Global Law & Society list, or (c) six credits of foreign language and one class from the Global Law & Society list.

OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT Undergraduate Research Engagement Program (UREP) This program provides approximately 20 students per semester exciting opportunities to work along side a faculty member on specific research projects. Visit the UREP website to learn more Judicial Internship Program Observing and discussing court proceedings with Judge Judd Carhart and other Superior Court judges International Relations Certificate The International Relations Certificate is sponsored by the Political Science Department and the Five College Consortium Can be combined with any undergraduate major, and is a way of indicating to graduate schools or future employers that you have strong interest in world affairs. Earning the certificate requires demonstrating intermediate level competence in a contemporary foreign language and earning at least a B in each of 7 courses on world politics and institutions, the international economy, the history of the international system, US foreign policy, and the politics, history, economy, or culture of one or more foreign areas. Letters of Specialization Offered in focus areas including Comparative and International Law; Conflict Resolution; Constitutional Law; Data Analytics for Politics, Policy, and Legal Studies; and Law and Social Justice

GETTING STARTED WITH LEGAL STUDIES We recommend getting started with the major by taking Legal Studies 250 Introduction to Legal Studies: Course description: Interdisciplinary exploration of basic issues of law's relationship to contemporary society, in which law affects almost all human activity. Topics include the nature as well as historical and social functions of law; the culture and role of major actors in the legal system (lawyers, judges, juries, police, technology); tension between ideals and realities in law; role of law in addressing contemporary social problems. This general education course, based on the assumption that "law is too important to be left to lawyers, " is intended to foster analytical and critical skills and to discuss broad, interdisciplinary questions of individual responsibility, social morality, and justice. This course is a Gen Ed SB and DU course This course is offered each fall and spring, as well as during winter and summer sessions.

HOW TO ADD OR DECLARE THE LEGAL STUDIES MAJOR Please drop in during our weekly Peer Advisor Zoom Drop In Hours to declare the Legal Studies major, or to ask more questions: You must be logged in to Zoom with your UMass Net ID and password to attend a peer drop in session. When attending a drop in session, you'll enter the Zoom Waiting Room, and be admitted to the advising session when a Peer Advisor is available to assist you. Fall 2020 Peer Advisor Drop In session days, times and Zoom links are: Mondays 11 am to 1 pm https: //umass-amherst. zoom. us/j/94930564767 Tuesdays 11 am to 1 pm https: //umass-amherst. zoom. us/j/98250282045 Thursdays 2: 30 pm to 4: 30 pm https: //umass-amherst. zoom. us/j/96718473061 If you can't attend any of our Zoom Peer drop in advising times, please use our Advising Questions Google Form to request to declare the Legal Studies major. An advisor will follow up with you promptly on your Google Form submission, and schedule an appointment with you as needed. THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING LEGAL STUDIES!