Political Science: Concentration in Law and Justice [POL/LAJU] (Major)
Political Science Department
Robert Spitzer, chair
Old Main, Room 207
(607) 753-4105
Political science majors concentrating in law and justice are expected to complete a core curriculum covering the basics of U.S. and world politics, research techniques and political theory. In addition, students are expected to explore the legal and political dimensions of American government through upper division course work. Finally, all students must complete a capstone course either through a seminar or internship experience.
Career Potential
- Attorney
- Law enforcement
- Judge
- Representative ? federal, state or local
A. Required Courses (political science base): 12 credit hours
Required core courses: Six credit hours
- POL 100 - Introduction to American Government and Politics (3 cr. hr.) (GE categories 3 and 4)
- POL 101 - Introduction to World Politics (3 cr. hr.) (GE categories 3 and 6)
- POL 112 - Introduction to Political Research (3 cr. hr.)
- POL 270 - Introduction to Political Theory (3 cr. hr.) (GE 5)
Required core courses: Six credit hours
- POL 304 - Constitutional Law I - Powers (3 cr. hr.)
- POL 404 - Constitutional Law II: Civil Liberties (3 cr. hr.)
- POL 202 - Introduction to Law and the Judicial Process (3 cr. hr.)
- POL 303 - The Criminal Justice System (3 cr. hr.)
- POL 450 - International Law (3 cr. hr.)
- POL 470 - Justice and Society: Theory and Practice (3 cr. hr.)
* may be used as a capstone course experience - POL 471 - Legal Theory (3 cr. hr.)
* may be used as a capstone course experience
Note: Any course taken from Group B above the 15 credit hour requirement for that group, may be applied to Group C.
- POL 120 - Student Government Practicum (1 cr. hr.) (up to four credit hours)
- POL 302 - Law and Politics (3 cr. hr.)
- POL 307 - The Internet and the Law (3 cr. hr.)
- POL 308 - Environmental Law (3 cr. hr.)
- POL 312 - Methods of Political Analysis (3 cr. hr.)
- POL 320 - The Legislative Process (3 cr. hr.)
- POL 348 - Gun Control: Crime, Law, Policy (3 cr. hr.)
- POL 372 - American Political Thought (3 cr. hr.)
- POL 405 - Discrimination Law (3 cr. hr.)
- POL 484 - Prelaw Internship (3 cr. hr.)
* may be used as a capstone course experience - POL 489 - Moot Court
* may be taken twice for up to six credit hours
See capstone courses listed above as noted, or select one from the following:
- POL 480 - Washington Semester (16 cr. hr.)
- POL 482 - New York State Legislative Internship (15 cr. hr.)
- POL 483 - Public Administration and Policy Internship (3 cr. hr.)
