General Catalog 2008-2009

Programs and Courses

Pre-Law

Student Goals: Transfer

General information for students planning a career in Law:

No formal pre-law course of study is required to be eligible to apply for admission to law school. The demands of law are so varied that no one course of preparation can possibly be regarded as exclusive, and law schools attempt to do no more than urge students aiming toward a legal career to acquire a liberal education to the fullest sense of that term. Legal educators agree that a pre-legal education should be geared to the development of:

• a broad cultural background
• habits of thoroughness, intellectual curiosity, and scholarship
• ability to organize materials and communicate the results, both in writing and orally

Since the lawyer’s principal tools are the abilities to analytically think and communicate, every student should be particularly well-grounded in the use of language. The ability to write clearly, concisely, and with a sense of style is highly desirable. Therefore, courses in English composition and literature beyond the bare minimal requirements are recommended as well as courses which develop a lucid writing style.

A broad liberal arts education which is calculated to provide understanding of institutions and values with which the law deals is excellent preparation for a career in law. The habits of reading widely and writing clearly are tied closely to the development of the capacity to absorb abstract ideas and to reason systematically. Study in the areas of government, history, philosophy, psychology, sociology, economics, and literature will all contribute to the deep understanding of our social, political, and economic institutions that every good lawyer must have. Law school admission committees give strong consideration to the following:

1. Scores on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). A preparation course should be completed before taking the LSAT.
2. Overall academic performance for the full period of attendance in college. (Admission becomes increasingly more competitive each year and students should endeavor to keep grades at the highest possible level.)
3. Breadth in the undergraduate program in addition to the major field of study. Electives should include courses in speech as well as introductory courses in accounting. Courses at the undergraduate level in law are not essential since much of the material will be explored at a later time.
4. Ability to write correctly, clearly, and concisely. (Many law schools require demonstration of this ability as part of their admission test.)
5. General community involvement and/or personal achievement(s).
6. Many schools require character and personal references in addition to the above listed requirements. The study of law requires self-discipline and hard work which makes it important for students to develop good study habits in their academic career.

Special Qualifications for Law School:

1. The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is required for admission to College of Law at ASU, UA, and other universities. It is taken in the junior year.
2. Should have a high GPA in undergraduate course work.
3. Students must be able to read and comprehend well.
4. Students must have very good communication skills.

Program Description: This suggested program should be considered as the first two years of a baccalaureate program. Students should select an undergraduate major in liberal arts, business, or engineering. A business transfer program is especially recommended.

Program Recommendations:

(+) indicates course prerequisites.

Students should choose a major and consult with an advisor in planning their pre-law program. The following courses are recommended:

ACC211 Financial Accounting + ACC212 Managerial Accounting    BPC101AA Introduction to Microcomputers I: IBM    COM100 Introduction to Human Communication + CRE101 Critical and Evaluative Reading I    ECN111 Macroeconomic Principles    ECN112 Microeconomic Principles + ENG101 First-Year Composition + ENG102 First-Year Composition + GBS233 Business Communication    HIS103 United States History to 1870    HIS104 United States History 1870 to Present + MAT122 Intermediate Algebra    PHI101 Introduction to Philosophy    PHI103 Introduction to Logic    POS110 American National Government    POS120 World Politics    PSY101 Introduction to Psychology    SOC101 Introduction to Sociology

3 credits 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

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