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Legal Studies Concentration
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Credits:
18
Concentration Description
The undergraduate concentration in Legal Studies introduces students to the history and function of the American legal system and provides students interested in pursuing a law career with a basic understanding and knowledge of various aspects of law school and the legal profession. Cambridge College students are introduced to diverse topics and learning that incorporate principles of social justice, civil liberties and service to the community. It is in this context that students learn about and discuss executive, legislative and judicial law and their power to both shape and reflect our understanding of our changing society, world and communities.
A Key Element in Your Bachelor’s Degree. The concentration is accepted in any Cambridge College bachelor’s degree, as open electives. It is often of interest to students doing a bachelor’s degree in human services, multidisciplinary studies or psychology. It also provides valuable understandings to students in other fields who work with people and social change.
Program Outcomes
Students will:
- Develop an understanding of the history and evolution of the US legal system
- Appreciate the scope and implications of civil liberties and social justice in the US
- Gain working knowledge of the structure of legal systems and legal processes in the US
- Understand the different branches of government, and their impact and influence on our legal system
- Recognize how legal processes and practices shape our communities and society
- Develop analytical and critical thinking skills, critical reading abilities, writing skills, oral communication and listening abilities.
Careers and Further Study
Our students go on to graduate study in human services, psychology, counseling, social work, law, political science, government studies, corrections, law enforcement, forensics. This program can lead to careers in law, government service, corrections, law enforcement, politics, urban and community planning, mediation and management in NGOs, government, and community agencies.
Curriculum
In addition to the courses listed below, take two 1-credit JUS electives.
Advocacy is an art which integrates policy and passion with the skills of communication, social intelligence and change analysis to achieve a better world. Students will recognize how they already engage in advocacy while exploring systems and institutional level advocacy for social change. Each student will outline an advocacy campaign based on a social issue they have selected. The class will visit the Massachusetts State House and other sites. Students will communicate advocacy actions they have undertaken.