LEGAL SKILLS
College of Arts and Sciences, Interdisciplinary Program
Caleb Goltz (Director)
The minor in Legal Skills prepares students for law school, law-related graduate study, and law-related employment. The Legal Skills minor equips students with skills necessary to succeed in the field of law by cultivating techniques and habits of mind that prepare them for future legal education and work. This skills-based minor focuses on developing and strengthening the skills of writing, reasoning, analysis, and oral communication. Several departments within the university offer courses that provide a framework for developing a set of core skills that form a solid foundation for legal education and careers.
Minor in Legal Skills
- Writing (complete a and b, as well as c, d, or e)
- Complete the University’s Writing Across the Curriculum requirements.
- POLS 115: Legal Research and Writing
- ENGL 256: Intro to Professional Writing
- ENGL 300: Writing Theory and Practice
- ENGL 304: Persuasive Writing
- Formal and Applied Reasoning (complete one of the following courses)
- PHIL 220: Logic
- BLAW 401: Legal Research, Advocacy, and Dispute Resolution
- THEO 229: Professions: Faith and Law
- ECON 321: Law and Economics
- Analysis of Legal and Political Texts (complete two of the following courses)
- POLS 313: Constitutional Powers of Government
- POLS 314: The Supreme Court, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties
- POLS 326: International Law and Organization
- POLS 370: Exploration in Political Theory
- PHIL 357: Political Philosophy
- PHIL 359: Philosophy of Law
- HIST 365: U.S. Constitutional History
- CJUS 342: Criminal Law and Procedure
- Oral Communication (complete one of the following courses)
- COMM 100: Public Speaking
- COMM 366: Persuasion & Social Influence
A legal internship or experience is strongly recommended but not required. Consult with the program director.