SOC 301.01 LAW AND SOCIETY

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course examines the social, political and economic processes that affect the creation and implementation of law. It focuses on history and fundamental principles of American legal system and compares it to other legal systems existing in a today's world. In assessing how judicial opinions and legislative efforts affect social relations and institutional arrangements, inquiry is centered on: the ways in which social problems become defined as legal issues, the forces which shape the initiation and ultimate formulation of legislative acts designed to affect public policy, the role which cultural values and assumptions play in framing legal arguments and influencing judicial opinions and remedial programs, and the strengths and limitations of the law as a means of achieving special social policy objectives.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

• Understand the nature, purpose and limitations of law and the legal system.
• Understand the structure and operations of the legal system.
• Identify and explain the role of principal institutions and key actors responsible for the functioning of the legal system.
• Understand the importance of law and the impact of the legal system on everyday life.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

• Textbook assignments
• Oral presentation
• Classroom attendance and participation;
• Tests: four tests, including midterm and final exam.

METHOD OF EVALUATION

Evaluation of the oral presentation is based on the following criteria: selection of subject (relevant to assignment, interesting, appropriate level); content and organization (necessary components: introduction, development, supporting material, conclusion); language (clarity, vividness, grammar correct, oral style); delivery (body control, voice); attitude toward an audience (urge to communicate); the degree to which the class was involved; and overall effectiveness.

Students are expected to take all tests at the regularly scheduled time. If a student cannot do so, he/she should inform the professor before the test. If the reason for being absent is valid, the student will be given the opportunity to take a make-up test. Because of the difficulty of developing a second test, make-up test will consist entirely of essay questions. Students who miss test without informing the professor beforehand will not be permitted to make up the test unless they can provide proof of having had to leave the campus unexpectedly for a hospital stay or serious family emergency.

Students in this class will be expected to adhere to the University regulations on absence from class. Students are advised to keep in mind that four absences may result in an automatic failure in the course, and that three tardy arrivals will be counted as one absence.

Students are reminded that they must adhere to the standards of academic ethics of the University. These include standards of honesty for such activities as submitting assignments and essays, taking tests and examinations and doing project assignments.