Why Legal Studies?
Law touches nearly every facet of our daily lives, from the goods our dollars can buy to the way we pursue our work and enjoy our leisure. Our laws are based on and reflect the basic values of the society in which we live. How do social, political, philosophical and economic considerations influence and reflect these laws? Questions such as these encourage us to look at the complexity of the law within society and its institutions.
Pre-Law
Through the Department of Political Science and its Pre-Law Center, PLU offers an advising program to students who are planning to attend law school after graduation.
While professional legal training in the United States is reserved for American law schools, the study of law as a part of a society and its culture is an important component of a liberal arts education. At PLU, Legal Studies is an interdisciplinary program of study focusing on the nature of law and judicial process. Consistent with the purposes of the American Legal Studies Association, a minor in Legal Studies provides alternative approaches to the study of law drawn from classes in social sciences, humanities, the arts, business and education.
Your professors emphasize the development of a critical understanding of the functions of law, the sources of the legal tradition and the mutual impacts of law and society. You will pursue these objectives through courses, directed research, and internships in offices and agencies involved in making, enforcing, interpreting and communicating the law in contemporary American civil society.
Why PLU?
PLU offers the only undergraduate program in Legal Studies in the Pacific Northwest. The interdisciplinary nature of its curriculum encourages students to draw from a wide array of perspectives on law. The Legal Studies Program at PLU follows the guidelines of the American Legal Studies Association, an association whose primary function is to bring together schools, programs and faculty, offering undergraduate students the opportunity to examine law within a liberal arts curriculum and from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Career and Postgraduate Opportunities
Legal Studies offers opportunities for careers in many fields. Many positions in both the public and private sectors require some knowledge of law, or may require interaction with legal professionals. Additionally, the research, writing and analytical skills developed in the classroom and during internships are valuable tools in any job market. In recent years, Legal Studies students have pursued their interests in law by attending law and business schools and by choosing positions in:
- Banking
- Court administration
- Insurance
- Law enforcement
- Non-profit organizations
- Politics
- Probation and parole
- Religious organizations
- Small businesses
- State and local government
Course Requirements
For a list of course offerings check-out the catalog »
Pre-Law Advising
Through the Department of Political Science and its Pre-Law Center, PLU offers an advising program to students who are planning to attend law school after graduation. Admissions committees at American law schools recommend that successful applicants be well and broadly educated, literate and numerate, and that they be critical thinkers and articulate communicators. In other words, exactly what a sound liberal arts education provides! Additionally, if you are interested in postgraduate legal education, you are encouraged to consult with the pre-law adviser for assistance in selecting courses that will help you identify, develop and explore perspectives on the nature of American law and its profession. Many resources are available at PLU’s Pre-Law Center, including information on LSAT/LSDAS registration, catalogs from law schools, opportunities for field trips and an advising newsletter. Contact Dr. Susan Dwyer-Shick, Department of Political Science.
Faculty
Susan Dwyer-Shick, Ph.D., J.D.
Associate Professor of Political Science
Jennifer Hasty, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Richard J. Jobst, M.A.
Legal Studies Program Chair
Associate Professor of Sociology
Pauline M. Kaurin, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Laura F. Klein, Ph.D.
Professor of Anthropology
Joanne M. Lisosky, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Communications
Diane B. MacDonald, J.D.
Associate Professor of Business
Paul Menzel, Ph.D.
Professor of Philosophy
Clifford G. Rowe, M.S.J.
Professor of Communication
For more information visit www.plu.edu/~legalstd to learn more about Legal Studies faculty and courses.
