Law, Societies, and Justice is an interdisciplinary program committed to challenging students to understand the forms and functions of law in an increasingly globalized world. The program engages students in critical and comparative examination of legal institutions, principles, practices, and power around the world, with a particular emphasis on the role of rights in shaping contemporary political and legal conflicts.
Program of Study: Major: Law, Societies, and Justice
Program Overview
The Department of Law, Societies, and Justice (LSJ) offers students opportunities to understand the complex roles of law in society. Law takes multiple forms and performs a wide array of important functions. At the same time, the work of law is shaped by numerous political, economic, social, cultural, and geographic factors. Because of this, law “on the books” is not the same as law “in action.” Students in the LSJ major develop a deep appreciation for the variety of dynamics that shape the translation of law “on the books” to law “in action.”
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Law, Societies, and Justice
Recommended Preparation
Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: Courses that emphasize development of reading, writing, and especially analytical skills. Also, courses that provide background knowledge of modern world history, politics, institutions, and political theory.
Admission Requirements
Admission is capacity constrained. Completion of minimum requirements described below does not guarantee admission. The application and additional information are available at the department website.
Applications are considered in two groups - Currently Enrolled UW Students and Entering Transfers.
Currently Enrolled UW Students: A portion of each year's class is admitted after matriculating to UW.
Admission Criteria:
Minimum 2.50 cumulative UW GPA.
LSJ 200 and one 300-level LSJ course.
One English composition course (further evidence of writing skills in the social sciences is encouraged.)
When to Apply: Students may apply autumn, winter, or spring quarters. Application deadline: second Friday of the quarter. Students are notified of admission decisions by the fifth week of the quarter in which they apply.
Determining Factors: Factors considered include GPA, with emphasis on grades in courses required for admission and for completion of major requirements (accepted applicants typically have a cumulative UW GPA greater than 3.00); personal statement representing the student's interest in and commitment to becoming a Law, Societies, and Justice major; other evidence of a commitment to the study of society, justice, and law. Admitted applicants often show evidence of success in social science courses. (See department website or academic adviser for recommended social science courses.) Satisfactory progress to degree may be considered when making admission decisions.
Entering Transfers: A portion of each year's class is admitted from students transferring from another college or university. Transfer student admission is capacity constrained. Transfer applicants must submit a departmental application for the same quarter they submit an application to the University. Applicants must meet the following requirements
Admission Criteria:
Minimum 30 graded college credits completed by the University transfer application deadline.
Minimum 2.50 cumulative college GPA
Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
When to Apply: Application deadline: April 5 for autumn admission.
If admitted, students are required to enroll in LSJ 200 during autumn quarter and earn a minimum grade of 2.5 in the course.
Determining Factors: Factors considered include evidence of general social sciences coursework (since equivalents to LSJ coursework is uncommon, students transferring to UW can apply to the LSJ program with evidence of social science coursework) and performance in those courses as measured by GPA, frequency of incompletes or withdrawal grades, number of repeated courses, amount and type of college-level credit, and relevant work and life experiences.
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Law, Societies, and Justice
Credential Overview
The Law, Societies, and Justice Program offers students opportunities to understand the complex roles of law in society. Law takes multiple forms and performs a wide array of important functions. At the same time, the work of law is shaped by numerous political, economic, social, cultural and geographic factors. Because of this, law “on the books” is not the same as law “in action.” Students in the LSJ major develop a deep appreciation for the variety of dynamics that shape the translation of law “on the books” to law “in action.”
Completion Requirements
56-60 credits
Core Courses (20 credits):
LSJ 200 (5 credits)
Human Rights or Law Courses (10 credits): two courses at the 300-level. See department website for list of approved courses.
Capstone Seminar (5 credits): at least one course at the 400-level. See department website for list of approved courses.
At least four LSJ courses at the 300-level. See department website for list of approved courses. (minimum 20 credits)
Electives (16-20 credits): at least four upper-division courses (each course must be a minimum of 3 credits) to reach 16 credits. Minimum one course at the 400-level. See department website for list of approved courses.
Program of Study: Minor: Law, Societies, and Justice
Program Overview
The undergraduate minor in Law, Societies, and Justice provides an opportunity for students to develop a multidisciplinary liberal arts orientation to the study of law, social control, and justice, with particular emphasis on the studies of crime, comparative law, and human rights. This knowledge is gained through critical examination of the research literature and exchange of ideas and information with other students and faculty.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Minor in Law, Societies, Justice
Minor in Law, Societies, Justice
Completion Requirements
28-30 credits
Two courses from the following: LSJ 320/POL S 368, or LSJ 321/ANTH 323, or LSJ 322/JSIS A 324; LSJ 363/POL S 363 or LSJ 200; LSJ 367/POL S 367 or LSJ 366/JSIS B 366; LSJ 375 or SOC 372. (10 credits)
Two courses from each LSJ major subfield. (Major subfields are "comparative legal institutions" and "rights." Courses fulfilling subfield requirements are outlined on the departmental website and handouts. (18-20 credits).
Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The Law, Societies, and Justice curriculum emphasizes the development of a range of analytic and communicative skills. Courses challenge students to develop the capacities to: read and interpret texts, including theoretical, empirical, and legal documents; comprehend and contrast arguments; develop and defend arguments; contrast theoretical arguments with empirical realities; assess contemporary practices of justice delivery against contemporary conceptions of justice. Students are required to express these skills in both verbal and written forms, through active class discussions and well-constructed writing assignments. Development of these skills assists students in a range of possible future endeavors, including a wide array of careers in law and justice.
Instructional and Research Facilities: Students have access to the Political Science/Law, Societies, and Justice/School of International Studies writing center for most classes. Research opportunities are available on an individual and group basis with many professors.
Honors Options Available: With College Honors (Completion of Honors Core Curriculum and Departmental Honors); With Honors (Completion of Departmental Honors requirements in the major). See adviser for requirements.
Research, Internships, and Service Learning: LSJ requires each of its majors to complete an internship for credit. Internship aims: (1) to provide students with insights into the workings of law in practice; (2) to scrutinize and 'test' some of the theories and concepts found in the literature against 'real world' practice; (3) to advance career development and goals, and (4) to provide 100 hours of local community service. Student assignments vary, and include government agencies, non-profit social service organizations, private law firms, rights-focused organizations, and other sites that focus on issues connected to LSJ coursework. It is the student's responsibility to find an internship, although the LSJ adviser can help find a suitable one. Students are required to write two papers according to specific guidelines for internship course credit. Many LSJ faculty regularly invite majors to assist them in the development and execution of research endeavors. These provide students an unparalleled opportunity to understand the challenges and mechanics of high-level research.
Department Scholarships: The Stromberg Study Abroad Fund provides financial assistance to LSJ majors who pursue Study Abroad opportunities in socio-legal studies.
Student Organizations/Associations: The Law, Societies, and Justice Student Association sponsors regular events of interest to LSJ students, including career panels and service events.
Graduate Program
Law, Societies, and Justice
Program of Study: Graduate Certificate In Law And Society Studies
This program of study leads to the following credential: