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Courses & Curricula

It’s important to note again that there is no particular major or course of study that is recommended for entrance to law school. Whatever major is chosen, a student should look to develop knowledge in areas that are beneficial to pursuing a legal education. The ABA lists the following as the types of knowledge that would be beneficial to anyone interested in a legal education:

A broad understanding of history, including the various factors (social, political, economic, and cultural) that have influenced the development of our society in the United States
A fundamental understanding of political thought and of the contemporary American political system
Some basic mathematical and financial skills, such as an understanding of basic pre-calculus mathematics and an ability to analyze financial data
A basic understanding of human behavior and social interaction
An understanding of diverse cultures within and beyond the United States, of international institutions and issues, of world events, and of the increasing interdependence of the nations and communities within our world.

UIC COURSEWORK RELATED TO THE STUDY OF LAW

Many courses offered at UIC will help you gain the types of knowledge listed above. One course, however, deserves specific mention: Philosophy 102 – Introductory Logic. Because the LSAT is heavily based on logic skills, it is recommended that every pre-law student take this course!

In addition to basic courses, UIC also offers courses and programs that are specifically related to the study of law. In any given semester, others may be offered so this list is just a sampling. For a description of the courses and their prerequisites, please visit the UIC Undergraduate Catalog.

Courses

(NOTE: These classes may not be offered every semester and may have specific prerequisites.)

Accounting

355 (Business Law I)
456 (Business Law II)

African American Studies

251 (African Americans & The Law to 1954)*
252 (African Americans & The Law since 1954)*
356 (Constitutional Law: Women, Gender, & Privacy)*

Classics & Mediterranean

404 (Roman Law & the Civil Tradition)*

Criminal Justice

110 (Legal Rights & Responsibilities)
114 (Race, Class, Gender, & the Law)
200 (Law in Society)
210 (Principals of Criminal Law)
310 (Substantive Criminal Law)
311 (Criminal Procedure)
404 (Roman Law & the Civil Tradition)

Economics

320 (Law & Economics)

Engineering

400 (Engineering Law)
402 (Intellectual Property Law) Gender & Women’s Studies
356 (Constitutional Law: Women, Gender, & Privacy)*

History

404 (Roman Law & the Civil Tradition)*

Philosophy

112 (Morality & the Law)

Political Science

251 (African Americans & The Law to 1954)*
252 (African Americans & The Law since 1954)*
258 (The Judicial Process)
287 (International Law)
353 (Constitutional Law)
354 (The Constitution & Civil Liberties)
356 (Constitutional Law: Women, Gender, & Privacy)*
359 (Topics in Public Law)
451 (Law & Public Policy)

Psychology

417 (Psychology & Law)

Spanish

220 (Spanish for Business & Law)

* denotes courses that are cross-listed in multiple departments

Law-related Programs:

LAS Minor in Law and Society

The minor in Law and Society is designed to assist students in developing aptitudes, skills, and substantive knowledge that will be of value in law school and in careers related to law. Rather than being a narrow or technical course of study, the minor exposes students to the social forces that impact the development, design, and impact of legal rules. The minor gives students interested in law a formal preparatory course of study that provides a helpful degree of direction, discipline, and focus.

The Law and Society minor is a good option for students in any major who are interested in law school or in other courses of graduate studies related to the law.

The minor is offered by the Department of Criminal Justice in cooperation with other departments in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The minor comprises 18 semester hours in regularly scheduled courses selected from several participating departments.

Catalogue Requirements & Distribution Options