2009 Fall POLSCI 200SA-02
Bulletin Course Description Special topics in American government and politics; open also, if places are available, to qualified juniors who have earned a 3.0 average and obtain the consent of the instructor. Instructor: Staff
(Instructor named in bulletin description above may not be current. For current instructor, see listing below.)
Title AMERICAN LEGAL SYSTEM Department POLSCI Course Number 2009 Fall 200SA Section Number 02 Primary Instructor Munger,Michael Prerequisites
Synopsis of course content
The American legal system is the product of four separate strands of legal tradition: common law, constitutional law, statutory law, and administrative law/regulations.
The objective of this course is not to teach the law. Rather, the student will learn about the development and features of the American legal system. Nonetheless, there will be a heavy focus on reading and understanding judicial decisions.
Textbooks
Lawrence Friedman, The History of American Law
Mark Tushnet, The NAACP's Legal Strategy against Segregated Education, 1925-1950
Jenny Bourne Wahl, The Bondsman's Burden: An Economic Analysis of the Common Law of Southern Slavery
Assignments
Every week each student will write a 1,000 word summary of a key case from that week's reading.
Exams
Midterm exam, no final.
Term Papers
There is a final research paper, at least 30 pgaes long, plus footnotes and sources.
Grade to be based on
Assignments 40%, Midterm 30%, Term Paper 30%
Additional Information
Don't take this course. There is too much reading. Seriously, don't do it.
