Law, Societies, and Justice

42 Gowen

The program in Law, Societies, and Justice provides an interdisciplinary liberal arts education focusing on the unique forms of social control, institutionalized disputing, and justice that we identify with law or legality. Courses inquire into the historically embedded principles and institutional practices associated with diverse legal domains -- constitutional, criminal, administrative, and civil law as well as fundamental human rights -- in the United States and throughout much of the world. The program encourages complex assessments of the workings and implications of law in society according to standards that are both internal and external to the rule of law itself.

Undergraduate Program

Law, Societies, and Justice offers the following programs of study:

• The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in law, societies, and justice.
• A minor in law, societies, and justice
• A minor in human rights involving courses at the three UW campuses
• A minor in disability studies

Bachelor of Arts

Department Admission Requirements

1. Admission is competitive, based on the following: GPA, with emphasis on grades received in courses required for admission (applicants accepted normally present cumulative GPAs considerably above 2.50); personal statement representing the student's interest in and commitment to becoming a Law, Societies, and Justice major; other evidence of a commitment to the study of society, justice, and law. Junior standing preferred.
2. Completion of one of the following courses: LSJ 320/POL S 368 or LSJ 321/ANTH 323; LSJ 363/POL S 363 or LSJ/SIS 362; LSJ 375 or SOC 372.
3. Completion of one research methods or statistics class. See the program's Web site or advising office for a list of approved courses.
4. Completion of one English composition course. (Further evidence of writing skills in the social sciences is encouraged.)
5. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 at the University of Washington.
6. Students may apply in autumn, winter, or spring quarters. Applications for admission are due no later than the second Friday of each quarter. Students are notified of admissions decisions by the fifth week of the quarter in which they apply.

Major Requirements

1. Completion of the four LSJ core courses:  LSJ 320/POL S 368 or LSJ 321/ANTH 323; LSJ/POL S 363 or LSJ/SIS 362; LSJ/POL S 367; LSJ 375 or SOC 372 (20 credits)
2. One research methods or statistics course from approved list (4-5 credits)
3. Three courses from one of the three designated subfields of study (crime, social control, and justice; comparative legal institutions and politics; rights, resistance, and reconstructions in law) and two courses from one of the other two subfields.  See the program's Web site or adviser for list of approved courses.  (23 to 25 credits)
4. One LSJ senior seminar; and one field experience/internship, LSJ 401.  Senior seminar cannot also count as an LSJ subfield course.  (10 credits)
5. Students may use only one 3- or 4-credit course toward completion of the major. 

Minor

1. Two courses from LSJ 320/POL S 368 or LSJ 321/ANTH 323; LSJ 363/POL S 363  or LSJ 362; LSJ 367/POL S 367; LSJ 375 or SOC 372 (10 credits).
2. Two courses from a single Law, Societies, and Justice major subfield.  The major subfield areas are crime, social control, & justice; comparative legal institutions & politics; and rights, resistance, & reconstruction in law.  Classes fulfilling the subfield requirement are outlined on the departmental web pages and handouts (6-10 credits).
3. One course from a second major subfield or from the Law, Societies, and Justice research methods list.  The research methods list is outlined in departmental web pages and handouts (3-5 credits).
4. Elective courses from the list of LSJ core courses or LSJ major subfields.  Only one course from the research methods list can be used to reach the total of 30 credits.  

Minor Requirements (Disability Studies): 30 credits

1. Core courses: LSJ 332, LSJ 433, LSJ 434 (15 credits).
2. Internship or independent study: LSJ 332 (prerequisite course to completing an internship or independent study) (5 credits)
3. Disability studies electives: See LSJ adviser or Disability Studies program homepage for list of allowable classes (10 credits).

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The Law, Societies, and Justice curriculum emphasizes the development of a range of analytic and communicative skills. Courses challenge students to develop the capacities to: read and interpret texts, including theoretical, empirical and legal documents; comprehend and contrast arguments; develop and defend arguments; contrast theoretical arguments with empirical realities; assess contemporary practices of justice delivery against contemporary conceptions of justice. Students are required to express these skills in both verbal and written forms, through active class discussions and well-constructed writing assignments. The development of these skills assists students in a range of possible future endeavors, including a wide array of careers in law and justice.

• Instructional and Research Facilities: Students have access to the Political Science computer lab and writing center for most classes. Research opportunities are available on an individual and group basis with many professors.

• Honors Options Available: With College Honors; With Distinction (Departmental Honors). See adviser for requirements.

• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: LSJ was the first program in the social sciences to require an internship as part of its major. The internship aims: (1) to provide students with insights into the workings of law in practice; (2) to scrutinize and 'test' some of the theories and concepts found in the literature against 'real world' practice; (3) to advance career development and goals, and (4) to provide 100 hours of local community service. Students work with a variety of governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations, including private law firms, federal law enforcement agencies, and social service organizations (see the Internship Listings for complete information). It is the student's responsibility to find an internship, although the LSJ adviser can help you find a suitable one. Students are required to write two papers according to specific guidelines for internship course credit.

  Many of the LSJ faculty regularly invite majors to assist them in the development and execution of research endeavors. These provide students an unparalleled opportunity to understand the challenges and mechanics of high-level research.

• Department Scholarships: None available, although the program does provide several awards with modest cash stipends to graduating seniors.

• Student Organizations/Associations: Law, Societies, and Justice is a founding member of the National Consortium of Law and Society Programs. The program is presently reassessing the status of student associations and organizations.

Of Special Note: The required senior seminar emphasizes close reading of texts, active class discussions, and well-reasoned analytic writing, providing an unmatched opportunity to establish a close connection to faculty and other students, and to hone the analytic and communicative skills.