SOC 200 Law and Society in Global Perspective

This course offers an introduction to the field known as "law and society" and explores the relationship between law and inequality. The sociological perspective on law is unique in that it calls upon us to critically examine the contexts in which law is practiced and developed. By taking a global perspective, we will compare how various social, cultural, political, and economic forces shape law formation, practice, and change in countries around the world. The course is framed around the following central questions: What are the major themes and debates that comprise this field of law and society? How does this perspective contrast with popular understandings of the law and its place in society? Can legal practice serve as an advocacy tool for social justice and social change or does the law simply serve to reproduce existing social inequalities? How does globalization influence the development and practice of law, globally as well as locally? Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: SS-1. (3)