Crime, Law, & Justice 467: Law and Society
This course will examine the existence, purpose and function of law(s) in our society. The basis is in the sociological theories of law, i.e. how law is created, what it does/doesn’t do, how it acts to control dissent, to resolve disputes and as an agent of social change. This sociological background, combined with a legal view, will help to give us a well-rounded understanding of law in society.
What will I learn in this course?
This is a 3-credit study of the social origins of law and legal systems; occupational careers, and decision-making of legal officials. During the first two-thirds of the course, we will examine sociological theories of law, i.e. how law is created, what it does/doesn’t do, how it acts to control dissent, to resolve disputes and as an agent of social change.
During the last portion of the course, we will debate some controversial legal issues keeping in mind our theoretical background.
This course is cross-listed with Sociology (SOC). See your advisor if you have questions about how this course can be used in your program of study.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
Crime, Law and Justice 111 and Administration of Justice 240W are prerequisites for this course. This course is taught completely online. Students who are disciplined and motivated will be highly successful in CLJ 467 because these qualities allow students to better assume a greater degree of responsibility for their own learning. To take this course, you should feel comfortable navigating on the Internet. You must also be a self-starter who feels confident about reading to learn and who is comfortable working independently.
I've never taken an online course before. What is it like?
By taking an online course, you can learn beyond the traditional borders of the classroom, and as part of a wider and more diverse audience. There are no preset meeting times, so this class will help those who are struggling with scheduling issues. We'll use Penn State's ANGEL system for CLJ 467, and a combination of text, Web links, images and streamed audio and video as our class "lecture." You'll communicate with the professor and your classmates through e-mail and threaded discussions within ANGEL.
An online course is not easier than a traditional resident course! You must be willing and able to commit the same amount of time as you would for attending class and studying for a traditional course. If you're wondering whether an online course is right for you, take this short survey to find out more about how online learning is different.
What are the technological requirements for this course?
This course is designed to work within the ANGEL technological requirements. You will need to have Quicktime installed on your computer to watch or listen to the streamed audio/video for this course. It is possible (but not required) to download a presentation in this course to an MP3 player.
How is the course structured?
CLJ 467 has ten lessons. This class is discussion-based. You will be required to post comments in weekly discussions throughout the semester. Each lesson has a short online quiz, and two exams will be given, one approximately two-thirds of the way through the semester and one take home final exam. Both exams will be online. As a group project you will engage in an online debate about an issue related to class at the end of the semester.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about CLJ 467 Online, see a recent course syllabus. To register, visit the Office of the University Registrar. At the beginning of each semester, all enrolled students should access CLJ 467at the site of Penn State's course management system, ANGEL.
“If the glove doesn’t fit, you must acquit”
Johnny Cochran
Lady Justice is a personification of the law. Her blindfold symbolises equality under the law through impartiality towards its subjects, the weighing scales represent the balancing of people's interests under the law, and her sword denotes the law's force of reason.
"You cannot make men good by law: and without good men you cannot have a good society."
C.S. Lewis
Max Weber in 1917. Weber began as a lawyer and is regarded as on of the founders of Sociology and Sociology of Law.