The Sociolegal Studies minor provides an introduction to the relationships between law and other human activity and serves as a broad liberal education in the humanities and social sciences. It is an opportunity for students within a liberal arts curriculum to engage in a broad critical understanding of the nature and function of law from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students will learn basic legal concepts and be able to apply those concepts to legal phenomena; understand the nature and function of law, including legal theory, institutions, and analysis; understand the unique nature of legal institutions and practices from a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives; and acquire a deeper understanding of the different types of law, how law is shaped, how people think about law, and the role of law in society.

Upon completion of this program, students will:

• Evidence a deeper understanding of the many forms of law, how law is shaped, how people think about law, the role of law in society, and the intersection of law and politics.
• Compare, apply, and critique different social science and humanities perspectives on law
• Understand the cultural, political, economic, and social aspects of law
• Employ an interdisciplinary approach to the study of law and society
• Understand the structure and purpose of legal institutions
• Comprehend basic legal concepts and be able to apply those concepts to legal phenomena
• Develop strong logical and critical thinking skills