The program in Law and Society is designed to provide a broad exposure to the nature of law and its role in society. The overall aim of the program is not only to provide students with as deep an understanding of the law as possible but also to demonstrate that the law is not an isolated discipline but, rather, is part of an integrated culture of which we all partake. The program is not specifically a "pre-law" program. Nevertheless, the perspectives that it offers are likely to be of great benefit to those who hope to be lawyers, as well as to those considering a career in politics, the civil service, law enforcement, the social sciences, business and industry, or public-interest advocacy.
First year students in Law and Society are encouraged to explore courses in a variety of areas. It is recommended that a first year program include: Law and Society 201, 203 and at least an additional 1.5 full-course equivalents from the Faculty of Arts. Degree programs in Law and Society include senior-level courses offered by various Departments either as core requirements or as options. It is therefore useful to take first year courses from a variety of related areas such as Political Science and History. In planning their first year programs, students should look ahead to later years and make sure they take courses that are prerequisites to the courses they may subsequently wish to take.
Courses that are required for the Law and Society major can generally be double-counted toward minors in these programs, although students are advised to consult with the Student Success Centre for confirmation. The following minor programs are particularly good fits with a Law and Society major program: Political Science, History, Economics, Philosophy, Sociology, Indigenous Studies, Canadian Studies, Science, Technology and Society, Women's Studies.
Students seeking advice on first year course selection may contact the Program Coordinator or the Student Success Centre.
Faculty of Arts