POSC 333
Law in America
1. Catalog Entry
POSC 233
Law in America
Credit hours (3)
Prerequisite: POSC 120
A survey of the sources and functions of American law. The emphasis of this course
is the understanding of how law functions, where it functions, and how the political
and social realms affect law in the United States.
Students may not receive credit for both POSC 333 and POSC 233.
2. Detailed Description of Course
This course is a survey of the sources and functions of American law where students
will examine the various types of law (e.g. civil, constitutional, criminal, etc.)
to determine the capacity and limitations of law and legal processes to deal with
social problems. The emphasis of this course is the understanding of how law functions,
where it functions, and how the political and social realm affect law in the United
States. This course is divided into three sections to address the broad question of
what is the law and two specific areas where the law’s intersection with society and
politics is evident.
3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Lecture and/or online delivery. Students will have several opportunities to learn about the American court system and the roles of various professionals within the system through a variety of pedagogical techniques.
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course
By the end of the semester, students should be able to:
1)Describe the sources of law in the United States;
2)Explain the major philosophies concerning the role and function of law;
3)Demonstrate knowledge of the substantive areas of law that we examine in this course;
4)Identify the interconnected nature of law and society; and,
5)Evaluate how the political and social realms affect law in the United States.
5. Assessment Measures
Knowledge and understanding of the material covered in this course, as well as the ability to apply it to real life situations, may be measured using an array of assessment tools that can include tests, formal papers, informal writing assignments, and formal oral presentations.
6. Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
August 2014
June 15, 2015