Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Legal Studies BA


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What makes a law unjust? Which children are most at risk for becoming part of the juvenile justice system? What role has race played in the evolution of democracy? If these are the types of questions you like to ask (and answer), then legal studies might be the right program for you. This major is designed for students who prefer a broad, interdisciplinary approach to learning, and want the freedom to explore different topics throughout the social sciences.

Visit the Legal Studies academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.

Visit the Social Studies Interdisciplinary department page  for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.

Admission Criteria


Current UB students seeking admission to the Legal Studies BA will be added to the major upon request by completing the College of Arts and Sciences Major/Minor Change Request Form.

Course Requirements


Two English Courses (6 credits)


Total Credits Required for Major: 42-43


Additional Degree Requirements Include:


  • Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
  • Elective courses as needed to complete the 120 credit hour total

Total Credits Required for Graduation: 120


Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Notes


*Continuation in the major will be contingent on completing PSC 101   and HIS 161  or HIS 162   with a minimum grade of C in each

Academic Requirements


Students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.000 in the major. All courses taken by a student that are included in the Legal Studies curriculum will be used in calculation of the major GPA. For example, if a curriculum requires a student to select two courses from a particular section and the student completes three courses from that section, all three courses would be used to calculate a student’s major GPA. The Legal Studies major may not be combined with any other major to form a joint major.  Students pursuing a double major may use a maximum of two advanced (300 or 400 level) courses towards both majors. For example a student completing a double major between Legal Studies and sociology may take only two advanced level sociology courses for completion of the Legal Studies major.

For students not continuously registered at UB or who are newly admitted transfer students, courses taken more than 10 years prior to the date of admission or readmission to the University may constitute no more than 20% of a major program in the Legal Studies major.

Transfer Credit Policy

At least 50 percent of coursework toward the major must be completed at UB. Courses taken more than 10 years prior to the date of admission to the University may constitute no more than 20% of a major program in the Legal Studies major.

Program Distinction


A student in this major is eligible for Program Distinction upon degree conferral if the criteria are met. Criteria are found under Academic Honors in the Policy and Procedure section of this Catalog. Program Distinction is noted on the official transcript.

Curricular Plan


A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.

First Year Fall


Total Credits: 15 or 16


First Year Spring


Total Credits: 16 or 17


Second Year Fall


  • Analytical Skills Course Credits: 3
  • Scientific Literacy 1 Credits: 3
  • Pathway Credits: 3
  • Pathway Credits: 3
  • ENG 200/300/400 Level Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Second Year Spring


  • ENG 300/400 level course Credits: 3
  • Pathway Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Scientific Literacy 2 Credits: 3
  • Scientific Lab Credits: 1

Total Credits: 16


Third Year Fall


Total Credits: 16


Third Year Spring


  • Advanced Course Credits: 3
  • Advanced Course Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 14


Fourth Year Fall


  • Advanced Course Credits: 3
  • Advanced Course Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Fourth Year Spring


  • Advanced Course Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 12


Total Credits Required: 120


Note: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement.

Learning Outcomes


Upon completion of the Legal Studies BA, students will:

  • Possess a basic narrative of American history.
  • Understand the basic structures, functions and principles of American government.
  • Understand law in an historical, political, or philosophical perspective.
  • Understand aspects of the role of law in regulating behavior, the relation of law to politics, social structure, race, gender, and class.
  • Develop writing skills and analytical skills associated with the evaluation of data or patterns of argument.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the US Constitution, impact of the US Constitution on American law and life, the evolution of constitutional interpretation, the role of the courts.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the systems through which law is created, changed and administered; law in transnational contexts, the institutions of the law and law as a social phenomenon; the law’s dynamic relation with health, welfare, and the environment.

 

(HEGIS: 14.01 LAW- GENERAL, CIP22.0000 Legal Studies)

 

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