Theories of Law and Society

This interdisciplinary seminar introduces students to theories of law and society. Specifically, this seminar considers the nature and function of law through the lens of sociological theory. It introduces students to major jurisprudential traditions, including natural law, legal positivism, legal realism, and critical theory. It also engages major strands of sociological theory, including Durkheim, Weber, phenomenology, feminist theory, and postcolonial theory. Together, these intellectual traditions invite students to consider enduring questions about the nature of law, the demands of justice, and the relationship between law, culture, and social life. In their final paper, students will be expected to apply one or more theories to an emerging area of legal doctrine or practice. UPPER-CLASS WRITING REQUIREMENT: This class may be used to satisfy the requirement. **A student who fails to attend the initial meeting of a seminar, or to obtain permission to be absent from either the instructor or the Registrar, may be administratively dropped from the seminar. Students who are on a wait list for a seminar are required to attend the first seminar meeting to be considered for enrollment.