HIST 1050 - America: From Settlement to Superpower (3 credits)
This course provides an overview of American history from European exploration to the present, with a particular emphasis on the creation and evolution of the United States. The instructor will identify a number of themes highlighting key developments, episodes or periods in American history that have proved critical in shaping the state, culture and society of the contemporary United States. These themes will serve as the focal point for all classroom activities and assignments. Prerequisite: COMP 2000, COMP 2010, or COMP 2020.
HIST 1120 - The West: Patricians, Peasants, and Citizens (3 credits) OR HIST 1170 - The World: From Gatherers to Globalization (3 credits)
HIST 1120 - The West: Patricians, Peasants, and Citizens (3 credits)
This course provides an overview of western history from Greek and Roman civilization to the present, with a particular emphasis on the evolution of western political institutions, legal systems, social structures and culture. The course will develop themes highlighting key developments, episodes or periods in western history that have proved critical in shaping the political, legal, and social systems of modern Europe. These themes will serve as the focal point for all classroom activities and assignments. Prerequisite: COMP 2000, COMP 2010, or COMP 2020.
HIST 1170 - The World: From Gatherers to Globalization (3 credits)
This course examines the theme of how the modern, interconnected world is rooted in a complex interplay of factors that have shaped the global human story. The course will develop this theme by highlighting key developments, episodes or periods in history that have proved critical in shaping the make-up of the modern world, including states, cultures and societies. These changes and developments will serve as the focal point for all classroom activities and assignments. Prerequisite: COMP 2000, COMP 2010, or COMP 2020.
HIST 3010 - Constitutional History I (3 credits)
A study of the origin and development of the American constitutional system from the colonial period to 1870. The course will examine seminal decisions of the United States Supreme Court during this period in their political, social, and economic context. Prerequisites: one HIST course; and COMP 2000, COMP 2010, or COMP 2020 or COMP 2000H.
HIST 3020 - Constitutional History II (3 credits)
Continuation of the study of the constitutional system of the United States. The course covers the period 1870 to the present with special emphasis on Supreme Court decisions in the areas of federal-state relations, individual liberties, and civil rights. Prerequisite: HIST 3010.
LGST 2500 - Introduction to Legal Studies (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the structure and basic decisional processes of the American legal system, as well as a study of the historical and social development of the legal profession in America from the colonial period to the present. Particular focus is on examination of the central issues and processes of the legal system from the perspective of their everyday working relationships and how courts work. Prerequisite: COMP 1500 or COMP 1500H.
LGST 3400 - Comparative Law (3 credits)
A study of the interrelationship between cultures and legal systems; how legal systems develop as a response to, and expression of, the cultures from which they derive. Prerequisite: COMP 2000, 2010, or 2020 or COMP 2000H.
LGST 4000 - Legal Research and Trial Advocacy (3 credits)
Students will learn legal research and writing skills, as well as the basics of case preparations, courtroom strategy and presentation, and legal argumentation. Library and Internet primary and secondary legal resources will be utilized, and legal memoranda and research skill exercises will be required. The students will create a trial notebook of their research and writing work, which they will then present in a mock trial/appellate setting. Prerequisites: LGST 2500 and COMP 2000, COMP 2010, or COMP 2020 or COMP 2000H.
LGST 4410 - International Law (3 credits)
An introduction to basic legal principles governing relations between nations. Topics include recognition of states, jurisdiction, human rights, treaties and agreements, law of the sea and claims against nations. Prerequisites: one LGST course; and COMP 2000, COMP 2010, or COMP 2020.
POLS 1010 - American Government and Politics (3 credits)
An introduction to the processes of the American national and local forms of government. Included are the nature and structure of government, its characteristics and functions, and the intimate relation of government to other interests.
POLS 2010 - Comparative Government (3 credits)
This course will examine the elements of foreign political systems such as constitutions, political parties, institutions, historical development, and ideology using the United States as a frame of reference. Attention will be given to how legislation is enacted, how elections are conducted, and the relationship between the judicial, executive, and legislative branches of government.
SPCH 2020 - Argument and Debate (3 credits)
Training and practice in fundamentals of oral argumentation, including methods of obtaining and organizing materials, delivery, and audience analysis, with an emphasis on researching evidence and constructing and refuting an argument in a debate format. Prerequisite: COMP 1500 or COMP 1500H.