Time Schedule:
Angelina Snodgrass Godoy
LSJ 316
Seattle Campus
Provides students interested in law a background in social theory, including Marx, Weber, Durkheim, and contemporary theorists. Explores the law's ambiguous role as both mechanism of enforcement for social hierarchies of class, race, and gender; and as a tool for emancipation, enabling, and empowering oppressed groups' claims to equality.
Class Description
Description. Social Theory and the Law This course aims to provide undergraduates interested in the law with a background in social theory. Throughout the quarter, we will explore the law’s ambiguous role as both a mechanism of enforcement for social hierarchies of class, race, and gender; and as a tool for emancipation, enabling and empowering oppressed groups’ claims to equality. To what extent does the former function eclipse the latter? When does the law provide justice, and when are its promises effectively neutralized by power differences in society? Students will become acquainted with the classic perspectives of Marx and Durkheim as well as more contemporary critical work. Take-home exams will apply these theoretical issues to contemporary questions.
Recommended preparation
Class Assignments and Grading
Class Assignments and Grading All students are expected to attend all classes and participate in discussions. In addition, each student is required to take responsibility for leading the discussion once, and to prepare a 10 to 15 page paper on a topic of his/her choosing, to be discussed with the instructor.
Grades: Paper 50 % Attendance & Participation 30 % Performance (Discussion) 20 % Total 100 %
