Program: Political Science: Concentration in Law and Justice (B.A.) [POL_LAJU] - SUNY Cortland - Modern Campus Catalog™

2024-25 Undergraduate Catalog

Apr 01, 2025

Political Science Department
Timothy Delaune, chair
Moffett Center, Room 202
607-753-4105

Political science majors concentrating in law and justice are expected to complete a core curriculum covering the basics of U.S. and world politics, research techniques and political theory. In addition, students are expected to explore the legal and political dimensions of American government through upper division course work. Finally, all students must complete a capstone course either through a seminar or internship experience.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Develop substantive knowledge in the field of political science
Prepare students for subsequent education, professional careers, and citizenship
Develop the analytical, research, writing, and presentation skills of political science majors
Engage in service, leadership, and experiential learning activities

A. Required Courses (political science base): 12 credit hours

POL 100 - Introduction to American Government and Politics (3 cr. hr.)
(GESS and GEUS)
POL 101 - Introduction to World Politics (3 cr. hr.)
(GESS and GEWH)
POL 112 - Introduction to Political Research (3 cr. hr.)
(GE 1)
POL 270 - Introduction to Political Theory (3 cr. hr.)

B. Core in Law and Justice: 15 credit hours

Required core courses: 6 credit hours

POL 403 - Constitutional Law I - Federalism and Interbranch Relations (3 cr. hr.)
POL 404 - Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (3 cr. hr.)

Select nine credit hours from the following:

POL 202 - Introduction to Law and the Judicial Process (3 cr. hr.)
POL 303 - The Criminal Justice System (3 cr. hr.)
POL 450 - International Law (3 cr. hr.)
POL 470 - Justice and Society: Theory and Practice (3 cr. hr.)
* may be used as a capstone course experience
POL 471 - Legal Theory (3 cr. hr.)
* may be used as a capstone course experience

C. Political Science (POL) Elective Courses: 9 credit hours

Note: Any course taken from Group B above the 15 credit hour requirement for that group, may be applied to Group C.

POL 120 - Student Government Practicum (1 cr. hr.)
(up to four credit hours)
POL 302 - Law and Politics (3 cr. hr.)
POL 306 - Narcotics Policy and Enforcement (3 cr. hr.)
POL 307 - The Internet and the Law (3 cr. hr.)
POL 308 - Environmental Law (3 cr. hr.)
POL 312 - Methods of Political Analysis (3 cr. hr.)
POL 320 - The Legislative Process (3 cr. hr.)
POL 348 - Gun Control: Crime, Law, Policy (3 cr. hr.)
POL 372 - American Political Thought (3 cr. hr.)
POL 405 - Discrimination Law (3 cr. hr.)
POL 407 - Seminar: Constitutional Reform (3 cr. hr.)
* may be used as a capstone course experience
POL 440 - Law and Politics in the Administrative Process (3 cr. hr.)
POL 484 - Prelaw Internship (3 cr. hr.)
* may be used as a capstone course experience
POL 489 - Moot Court (3 cr. hr.)
* may be taken twice for up to six credit hours

D. Capstone Experience Requirement

See capstone courses listed above as noted, or select one from the following:

POL 407 - Seminar: Constitutional Reform (3 cr. hr.)
POL 480 - Washington Semester (16 cr. hr.)
POL 482 - New York State Legislative Internship (15 cr. hr.)
POL 483 - Public Administration and Policy Internship (3 cr. hr.)

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation: 120