Nov 21, 2024

2015-2016 Undergraduate Catalog

2015-2016 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Pre-Law Minor

Adviser
The Honorable Christopher Cerski, J.D.

Since the Association of American Law Schools stresses a broad liberal arts background as the most appropriate training for law school, most Pre-Law students choose to major in Political Science, History, English, Philosophy, or Sociology. The Pre-Law minor helps students to determine if they have an aptitude and interest in law and provides a background for law school coursework. There are no prerequisites for law school, and law schools do not prefer applicants with multiple courses labeled “pre-law.” The minor, however, will help students to build a strong liberal arts education with challenging courses that require them to analyze and evaluate conflicting ideas and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Requirements for the Minor in Pre-Law

(24 credits)

Study abroad is highly recommended for Pre- Law students because it provides them with a broader perspective on human society and distinguishes their applications from those of students who have not lived and studied in another culture. Students can count no more than two courses toward both their major and the minor in Pre-Law. Since a minor is not required for graduation, students can use courses for the Pre-Law minor to fulfill their Undergraduate Curriculum requirements as well.

Arcadia also offers a B.A. in Global Legal Studies that requires students to take two law courses abroad. This is a Majors Abroad Program (MAP). See a separate entry for this major.

Law and Government Requirements

Four Minor Electives:

BA 201 Financial Accounting
BA 202 Managerial Accounting
BA 230 Legal Environment of Business
CJ 160 Crime and Punishment
CM 215 Public Speaking for Business
EC 210 Principles of Macroeconomics
EC 211 Principles of Microeconomics
EN 543 History and Teaching of Rhetoric (a graduate course open to seniors with permission)
HS 117 American History to 1865
HS 118 American History Since 1865
HS 330 America from 1877-1945: Gilded Age to Global War
HS 331 Contemporary America, 1945 to Present
LH 330 The English Legal System (City University, London)
PL 150 Introduction to Philosophy
PL 155 Applied Logic (highly recommended for LSAT preparation)
PS 101 American Politics
PS 110 Law and the Legal Process
PS 218 Criminal Law and Procedures
PS 243 Introduction to Peace and Conflict Resolution
PL 245 Political Thought or
PS 245 Political Thought
PS 260 F.D.R. to Obama: US Politics and Reform
PS 311 Introduction to International Law or
PS 411 Introduction to International Law
PS 324 Pre-Law Intern Program
PS 330 American Political Thought
PS 340 The Judiciary
PS 375 Constitutional Law II: The First Amendment
US 232 Mock Trial Workshop

Additional Information:

Other advanced humanities and social science courses are highly recommended, especially if taken during a semester or year studying abroad. Any course, regardless of field, that furthers the development of clear and systematic thinking, the command of the English language (both written and oral), and a broad understanding of society constitutes sound preparation for the study of law. A background of outstanding extracurricular activities supplements the academic record and serves to build and demonstrate communication and leadership skills.

The Pre-Law adviser is responsible for advising students interested in the Pre-Law minor and determining if courses taken abroad will count toward the minor. All students interested in legal careers should contact the Pre-Law adviser early in their University program. The adviser works with students to develop a program suitable to their interests, including legal fields such as corporate, international, criminal, family, healthcare and the environment.