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 addresses many questions overlooked in the traditional law school curriculum. What is law? What is justice? What is the relationship between law and culture? Theorists include classic sociological thinkers such as Durkheim, Weber, Marx, as well as critical thinkers such as de Beauvoir, Said, and Fanon. 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.