CRIM 3321: Sociology of Law
Students examine law from a sociological perspective, with particular attention to understanding major theories and empirical studies on various aspects of law and how law works in the real world, or what socio-legal scholars call "law in action." Topics include exploring law as a mode of social control, dispute resolution, social change, and how intersecting factors such as, race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, age, and ability shape the law and legal institutions.
Learning outcomes
- Describe the emergence of socio-legal research and conceptualizations of law.
- Evaluate media reports and cultural products/images concerning legal issues.
- Identify and apply the theoretical foundations and historical development of law.
- Explain how contemporary legal institutions operate.
- Analyze selected past and current research issues of the sociology of law.
- Discuss the changing nature and functions of law at the Canadian and the global level.
- Explain the influence of intersecting factors such as, race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, age, and ability on the outcome of legal institutions.
Course topics
- Introduction to Sociology of Law
- Legal Literacy
- Theoretical Perspectives
- The Organization of Law
- Lawmaking
- Law and Social Control
- Law and Dispute Resolution
- Law and Social Change
- The Legal Profession
- Researching Law in Society
Required text and materials
Students are responsible for purchasing the required materials on their own:
- Vago, S., Nelson, A., Nelson, V., & Barkan, S. E. (2018). Law and society (5th Canadian ed.). New York: Routledge.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9781138215917 / 9781315443102
NOTE: This item can be purchased directly from the following link.
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.
| Quiz 1 | 10% |
| Assignment 1: News article critique | 10% |
| Quiz 2 | 10% |
| Assignment 2: Article critique | 10% |
| Assignment 3: Photo essay | 20% |
| Online postings | 10% |
| Final Examination * | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
* Mandatory
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
