POSC 377 - Philosophy of Law

Units: 3 ; Breadth Area: GE-UD-C; Social Justice
Introduction to the main schools of jurisprudence and legal philosophy with an emphasis on their application to issues of social justice.

Strongly Recommended Preparation: Upper division status (greater than 60 earned semester units) and completion of lower division Area C requirements.
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Areas A1, A2, A3 and B4 with grade C- (CR) or better.
Equivalent Quarter Course: PHIL 3503 or POSC 3503.
Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-UD-C - Upper Division Arts or Humanities, Overlay - Social Justice
Cross-listed: PHIL 377
Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Students will be able to gain an understanding of the nature of the law by examining theories regarding the origin of laws, including the relationship between law and morality.
Through the study of various theoretical questions in areas such as constitutional, criminal, and tort law, as well as justifications of punishment, students will come to appreciate the complex philosophical issues related to law as a concept.

UD-C. Upper-division Arts or Humanities Learning Outcomes

demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply the principles, methodologies, value systems, and thought processes employed in the arts and humanities;
analyze cultural production as an expression of, or reflection upon, what it means to be human; and
demonstrate how the perspectives of the arts and humanities are used by informed, engaged, and reflective citizens to benefit local and global communities.

Social Justice Overlay Learning Outcomes

use a disciplinary perspective to analyze issues of social justice and equity;
describe the challenges to achieving social justice; and
identify ways in which individuals and/or groups can contribute to social justice within local communities, nations, or the world.