Law in Society program options

Interdisciplinary and flexible

Law in Society (LWSO) offers you the opportunity to explore a range of disciplinary perspectives related to this substantive area to complement your studies in a specific discipline (e.g., sociology).

Courses for a LWSO program have one common theme: they all explore connections between law and social order.

All students take LWSO 2003 Law and Society, which provides you with an introduction to legal systems, processes, and key debates related to the role that law plays in social relations.

You will also select core courses from at least two other disciplines, providing an interdisciplinary foundation to understanding the interfacing of law and society. PHIL 1101 Critical Thinking is recommended prior to entering an LWSO program.

Program options

We offer three program options: minor, double major, and joint honours.

Courses taken towards Law in Society cannot be counted towards requirements in other programs.

A grade of C or above is required for courses to count towards program requirements.

See the Academic Calendar for detailed program requirements.

Minor

Eligibility: You must obtain the approval of the department or faculty in which you major, and of the Law in Society program coordinator.

Requirements

For students enrolled in LWSO after September 2018

• 24ch of total course work, including:
• LWSO 2003
• 9 ch chosen from core list, reflecting at least 2 disciplines other than LWSO
• 12 ch chosen from elective list (additional core courses may be counted as electives)
• 18 ch upper-level courses (3000 level+)

For students enrolled in LWSO prior to September 2018

• 24 ch of total course work
• 12 ch chosen from core list, reflecting at least 3 disciplines
• 12 ch chosen from elective list (additional core courses may be counted as electives)
• 18 ch upper-level courses (3000 level+)

Double major

Eligibility: You must obtain the approval of the department or faculty in which you major and the Law in Society program Coordinator.

Requirements

For students enrolled in LWSO after September 2018

• 30 ch of total course work, including:
• LWSO 2003 and LWSO 4003
• 9 ch chosen from core list, reflecting at least 2 disciplines other than LWSO
• 15 ch chosen from elective list (additional core courses may be counted as electives)
• 24 ch upper-level courses (3000 level+)

For students enrolled in LWSO prior to September 2018

• 30 ch of total course work
• 12 ch chosen from core list, reflecting at least 3 disciplines
• 15 ch chosen from elective list (additional core courses may be counted as electives)
• 24 ch from upper-level courses (3000 level+)

Joint honours

Eligibility: Minimum GPA of 3.3 or B+ after completing 60 ch (end of year 2). You must apply in writing to the LWSO coordinator for admission.

Requirements

For students enrolled in LWSO after September 2018

• 36 ch of total course work, including:
• LWSO 2003 and LWSO 4003
• 9 ch chosen from core list, reflecting at least 2 disciplines other than LWSO,
• 15 ch chosen from elective list (additional core courses may be counted as electives),
• 24 ch upper-level courses (3000 level+)
• Completion of either (a) LWSO 5000 Honours Thesis in Law in Society; or (b) 6 ch of 4000 level courses chosen from the core or elective lists and approved by the LWSO program coordinator.

For students enrolled in LWSO prior to September 2018

• 36 ch of total course work
• 12 ch chosen from core list, reflecting at least 3 disciplines.
• 15 ch chosen from elective list (additional core courses may be counted as electives)
• 24 ch from upper-level courses (3000 level+)
• Completion of LWSO 5001: Honours Seminar in Law in Society