Political Philosophy and Legal Studies Major

Bachelor of Arts

The interdisciplinary major focuses on the origins, development and theoretical foundations of Western political philosophy and law. Combining courses from political science, philosophy and other liberal arts disciplines, this major especially is recommended for students who either are considering careers in law or higher education and/or are desiring an intellectually challenging, broad-based traditional liberal arts education.

Courses in political science focus on issues such as justice, order, rights, the human condition, and the purposes and ends of law and government. The philosophy courses explore the metaphysical, epistemological and ethical assumptions undergirding the competing concepts of human nature and society. Students are encouraged to examine the implications of political philosophy on contemporary social and political movements.

For students who are interested in law school, a strong advisory component in terms of proper course work, relevant extracurricular activities and preparation for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) examination is offered.

A Political Philosophy and Legal Studies major requires 42 hours: Economics 101; History 215; Philosophy 110; Political Science 223, 224, 301, 302. Sixteen credit hours (four courses) are required from the Political Science, Philosophy and History Departments, with a minimum of one course per Department, chosen from the following: Political Science 305, 311, 324, 326, 328, 329, 348; Philosophy 213, 255, 305, 470-479; History 115, 201, 202, 210, 216, 309, 311, 312; and Modern Language at 112 level or higher. Philosophy 470-479 will provide students with practical experience in a law-related field under the guidance of a faculty member teaching in the Political Philosophy and Legal Studies Program.