University of Georgia Prelaw Guide
Chapter 4
COURSE RECOMMENDATIONS
Certain courses can be particularly useful in developing the
skills you will need to do well on the LSAT, in law school, and
in the practice of law, such as analytical, critical thinking,
research and communication skills, argumentation, and above all,
writing. Some courses cover specifically law-related topics.
Consider including some of the following courses in your degree
program.
English Composition and Literature - Any composition
or literature course may be helpful. Look especially for smaller
classes which are described as "Writing
Intensive." There are majors and minors available in
English, classics, and comparative literature.
Foreign Language - The study of any foreign language
can develop a better understanding of the structure of language
and the tools of communication. Certain types of public service
law or international law may be enhanced by proficiency in an
appropriate modern language. The classical languages of Greek
or Latin remain an excellent means of increasing one's vocabulary
and reading comprehension. Many degrees at the University do
not require foreign language, and you should talk with your academic
advisor about choices for your limited elective hours.
Philosophy - Philosophy courses may be especially helpful
and may be used to fulfill core requirements in various degrees.
You may earn a major or a minor in philosophy.
Strongly recommended classes include:
- PHIL 1000 - Introduction to Philosophy
- PHIL 1500 - Logic and Critical Thinking
- PHIL 2200 - Introduction to Ethics
- PHIL 2500 - Symbolic Logic
More advanced selections include:
- PHIL 3200 - Ethical Theory
- PHIL 4210 - Social and Political Philosophy
- PHIL 4220 - Environmental Ethics
- PHIL 4240 - Philosophy of Law
Educational Psychology -The department of Educational Psychology offers a course called EPSY 2130: Exploring Teaching and Learning (formerly EPSY 2020) that may be of interest to Prelaw students. This course introduces students to basic issues and concepts related to how people are motivated, how they learn, and how common developmental factors affect learning and motivation with a broad range of settings such as client advising and "education" in law.
Political Science - Political science has long been a
popular and useful study for prelaw students and may be considered
as a possible major or minor.
The following courses are considered extremely helpful
for any prelaw student:
- POLS 4700 - Constitutional Law: Powers
- POLS 4710 - Constitutional Law: Rights and Liberties
- POLS 4740 - Judicial Process and Behavior
Other useful courses include:
- POLS 4210 - International Law
- POLS 4750 - Gender, Law, and Politics
- POLS 4720 - Criminal Procedure
- POLS 4730 - Criminal Law
Speech Communication - Speech courses are strongly recommended
and are helpful for any prelaw student.
There is a major and a minor available. Some basic choices
include:
- SPCM 1100 - Introduction to Public Speaking
- SPCM 1500 - Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
More advanced courses include:
- SPCM 4220 - Theories of Argumentation
- SPCM 4330 - Communication Strategies in the Courtroom
Criminal Justice - Criminal justice is a multi-disciplinary
major or minor you may wish to consider if you are interested
in criminal law. Courses are primarily taken from political science,
sociology, psychology, philosophy, and history. Students must
submit an application for acceptance to this major at the end
of their sophomore year. Students earning the major must complete
an internship.
Sociology - Sociology gives insight into the wider social
and political contexts in which decisions in society are made.
There is a major and a minor available in sociology.
Courses which specifically address legal and criminal
issues include:
- SOCI 3070 - Juvenile Delinquency
- SOCI 3140 - Social Control of Crime
- SOCI 3150 - Criminal Punishment and Society
- SOCI 3810 - Criminology
- SOCI 3830 - Violence and Society
- SOCI 4830 - Sociology of Law
History - A good background in American history is important,
and you may feel that you need the benefit of both HIST 2111
(American History to 1865) and HIST 2112 (American History since
1865), although only one is required to satisfy the Regents'
requirement for American history. History remains a popular major
or minor for Prelaw students. Courses that emphasize critical
thinking, research, and writing will be valuable.
A course directly concerning law is:
- HIST 4060 - American Legal History
Courses in Science and Technology - If you wish to pursue
seriously such fields as health, environmental, intellectual
property or patent law, you may benefit from a background in
the major science sequences in the chemical, biological, and
physical sciences, as well as courses in genetics, computer science,
environmental health science and ecology. You may choose to earn
a Bachelor of Science in the College of Arts and Sciences, a
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Environmental Science,
a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources, or various other degrees,
or you may ask your advisor how to use specific classes in your
Bachelor of Arts degree.
If you are earning an A.B. you may also consider non-prerequisite
courses with an environmental emphasis such as:
- ECOL 1000-1000L - Ecological Basis of Environmental Issues
- GEOG 1125-1125D - Resources, Society and the Envirnoment
- GEOL 1121 - Earth Porcesses and Environments
Possibly followed by:
- GEOL 3150 - Coastal Processes and Conservation
- GEOL 3250 - Earth Resources and the Environment
The Freshmen
Seminars, available to freshmen in the College of Arts
and Sciences, offer a wonderful opportunity for a serious,
in-depth academic experience in a small class with some of
the most esteemed members of the University faculty. Seminars
are offered on a variety of topics, and the list of offerings
each semester is available online or from your advisor.
Other Academic Areas
Business Courses - Many students go to law school after
earning the Bachelor of Business Administration. Other students
may wish to obtain some basic business concepts and vocabulary
by taking business courses in their core or electives. There
is no minor available in Business Administration, but you may
wish to discuss with your advisor how you might count certain
business courses in your degree requirements.
A class in economics is generally recommended for all prelaw
students. ECON 2106 is Microeconomics; ECON 2105 is Macroeconomics.
Additional upper-level classes may also be useful. Economics
classes are also considered Arts and Sciences classes and may
count in the social science area in many degree core requirements.
Economics is available as an A.B. degree through Arts and Sciences,
and is a good option for a business-oriented student who desires
a liberal arts degree. Although an A.B. degree, the level of
math required for the Economics major is: MATH 2200, Analytic
Geometry and Calculus.
Courses in legal studies are offered through the Terry College
of Business Administration. Students may wish to consider the
introductory course, LEGL 2700 - Legal and Regulatory Environment
of Business, or any of the more advanced courses in Legal Studies.
As with the Legal Studies classes, ACCT 2101 and ACCT 2102, Principles
of Accounting I and II, are available to all students not only
those enrolled in the College of Business Administration. A more
general introduction is available through ACCT 1160 - Survey
of Accounting, which is for the non-major and takes a non-technical
approach.
Journalism Courses - Students often go to law school
after earning the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. The Henry W.
Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication offers elective
classes or a minor to interested students who do not wish to
pursue an A.B.J. degree. A particular course you may be interested
in is JRLC 5040 - Law of Mass Communication. If you are
not a student in the College of Journalism you may seek Permission
of School (POS) for this course if it is officially recommended
by your advisor. This course has the prerequisite of at least
one basic JRL course.
Computer Proficiency is becoming indispensable for law
students. In addition to word processing, much research is now
carried out on computer. You may want to consider taking CSCI
1100-1100L, Introduction to Personal Computing if you have not
already acquired good computer skills.
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