LEGAL STUDIES (LGS) COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
2013 Introduction to Legal Studies
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An introduction to legal studies from an interdisciplinary perspective, exploring historical and contemporary aspects of the content, operations, and effects of law in societies.
3013 Legal Research and Writing
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Provides students with the opportunity to explore the modes and sources of legal research, both traditional and electronic. CRJ 3613 Legal Research and Writing may be substituted for LGS 3013 in the LGS minor. (Same as
CRJ 3613. Credit cannot be earned for both LGS 3013 and CRJ 3613.)
3113 Blacks, Chicanos, and the Law
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
This course examines the litigation, case law, legislation, and legal literature associated with African Americans and Mexican Americans in the United States.
3213 Law School Studies
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Basic introduction to the primary subject areas covered in American law schools. Topics generally include Property, Civil Procedure, Contracts, Torts, Criminal Law, Family Law, Constitutional Law, and Professional Ethics. Topic coverage may extend to corporations, oil and gas, tax, or other more specialized topics. The course will better prepare students for the anticipated coursework and subject matter for the transition to law school.
3313 Science and the Law
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
This course will examine contemporary issues involving science and law. Students will have the opportunity to explore these issues through examination of (a) the governing legal structure (statutory, administrative and judicial), (b) historical, cultural, and political perspectives, (c) public policy, and (d) their societal and scientific impact. Course may include local issues.
3413 Regulatory Law and Enterprise
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
This course examines federal, state, and local administrative and regulatory engagement with Texan, American, and international enterprise. Students have the opportunity to explore law and policies affecting economic development, property, oil and gas, international trade, the Internet, and the environment.
4013 Issues in Law and Society
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
Provides students with the opportunity to conduct research on selected issues associated with the law and society. May be repeated for credit when topics vary, with permission of the Director of the Institute for Law and Public Affairs.
4123 Legal and Philosophical Reasoning
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
An intensive analysis of selected philosophical texts focusing on law and justice. Students are challenged to develop critical reading and thinking skills by studying the texts of philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Dworkin, Hart, and/ or others who outline difficult arguments and unfamiliar ideas. Emphasis is placed on drawing reasoned conclusions, advocating positions, and expressing oneself in oral and written forms. (Same as POL 4123. Credit cannot be earned for LGS 4123 and POL 4123.)
4223 Torts
(3-0) 3 hours credit.
This course provides students with the opportunity to analyze American tort law. Topics may include negligence, intentional torts, affirmative defenses, and legal damages as well as, vicarious products and strict liability. Students should be prepared to read, brief, and discuss case law.
4913 Independent Study
3 hours credit. Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Director of the Institute for Law and Public Affairs, and Dean of the Honors College.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and writing under direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. A maximum of 3 semester credit hours may be applied to the minor.
4933 Internship in Legal Studies
3 hours credit. Prerequisites: Consent of internship coordinator at the Institute for Law and Public Affairs, the faculty supervisor, and the Director of the Institute for Law and Public Affairs.
Supervised experience relevant to legal studies within selected community organizations. A maximum of 3 semester credit hours may be applied to the minor.