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Law and Philosophy

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2024-2025 Edition

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Department of Classics, Philosophy, and Religion

Law enters our lives in myriad ways, both requiring things of us and providing avenues for accomplishing our goals. It can be a tool of oppression and liberation; it can provide cover for unscrupulous actors and checks on bad behavior; and it can bewilder and shine light on moral quandaries. A philosophical approach to these issues is crucial to understanding them and their importance to contemporary societies.

The Law & Philosophy minor is designed to give students an understanding of the fundamental theories, concepts, and methodologies of the intersecting disciplines of law and philosophy (especially jurisprudence, logic, and ethics). Students of the minor will examine a wide variety of issues. Course work will thematize topical controversies such as the morality of the death penalty, theories of criminality and punishment, the viability of liberalism, causation in tort, or the appellate process in US federal courts. And, importantly, students will develop skills in reading closely, developing arguments, engaging in research, and questioning assumptions. Both the content and skills emphasized in the minor provide, alongside a student’s major area of study, a measure of preparation for law school and careers in law, public service, business, medicine, non-profit advocacy, and the environment.

Students who do research or internships in ethics for course credit in any major or field of study can apply for this credit to be used also toward the Law & Philosophy minor. Examples might include courses not on the pre-approved list, URES, independent study, a senior thesis, or an internship. Students are encouraged to seek service learning and guided research opportunities, both for credit or non-credit.

Minor Requirements

Eighteen (18) credit hours to include three courses from the Core Courses list, two courses from the Ethics list, and one course from the Electives list. At least three of the total courses must be at the 300-400 level.

Internships, individual studies, and other courses in law or ethics from any discipline can count in this minor upon approval of the minor’s coordinator; the category into which such a course would fit is also at the coordinator’s discretion.  

Course List
Code Title Credits
Core Courses (at least three of the following)9
PHIL 110
Introduction to Law
PHIL 151B
Introductory Logic
PHIL 320
Philosophy of Law I
PHIL 325
Philosophy of Law II
Ethics Courses (at least two of the following)6
BUAD 464
Business Ethics
CPSC 302
Computer Ethics
PHIL 160
Introduction to Ethics
PHIL 210
Social and Political Philosophy
PHIL 220
Introduction to Feminism
PHIL 225
Practical Ethics
PHIL 226
Medical Ethics
PHIL 330
Environmental Ethics
PHIL 335
Ethical Theory
PHIL 430
Seminar: Ethics, Environment, & Sustainability
Elective Courses (at least one of the following)3
BLAW 201
Legal Environment of Business
BLAW 300
Cybersecurity Law
BLAW 301
Commercial Law
CLAS 302
Democracy and Revolution in Ancient Athens
ECON 312
Government and Business
ECON 341A
Public Finance
PHIL 499
Internship
PSCI 201
American Government
PSCI 313
U.S. Federal Judiciary
RELG 305
Religion and Politics in the United States
SOCG 352
Criminology
SOCG 415
The Sociology of Law
ECON 342
Law and Economics
Total Credits18

Classics, Philosophy, and Religion Department

Jason P. Matzke, Career and Pre-Law Advisor (Philosophy)
Mary Beth Mathews, Career Advisor (Religion)

Faculty

(The person’s subject field is indicated in parentheses.)

Professors

Mary Beth Mathews (Religion)
Jason P. Matzke (Philosophy)
Angela L. Pitts (Classics)

Associate Professor

Jennifer A. Barry (Religion)

Assistant Professor

Kalpesh Bhatt (Religion)

Senior Lecturer

Michael J. Reno (Philosophy)

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