Sociology of Law (308-0-1)
Instructors
Robert L Nelson
Robert L. Nelson is Professor of Sociology and Law at Northwestern University and theMacCrate Research Chair in the Legal Profession at the American Bar Foundation (where hewas Director 2004-2015). He holds a J.D. and Ph.D. in sociology, both from Northwestern.He is a leading scholar in the fields of the legal profession and discrimination law. He hasauthored or edited 10 books and numerous articles, including The Making of Lawyers'Careers: Inequality and Opportunity in the American Legal Profession (U Chicago Press2023), Legalizing Gender Inequality, Cambridge University Press 1999, which won the prizefor best book in sociology in 2001, Urban Lawyers: The New Social Structure of the Bar,University of Chicago Press 2005, and Rights on Trial: How Workplace Discrimination LawPerpetuates Inequality, University of Chicago Press 2017. His current research is a socio-legal analysis of sexual abuse by Catholic priests.
Meeting Info
Locy Hall 111: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
This course examines the relationship between law and the distribution of power in society, with a particular emphasis on law and social change in the United States. Readings will be drawn from the social sciences and history, as well as selected court cases that raise critical questions about the role of race, gender, and sexual orientation in American society. Among the material we will examine are the documents made public in the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Students should be aware that some of this material is graphic and disturbing
(Also taught as SOCIOL 318)
Learning Objectives
How to critically analyze legal material from a sociological perspective and to analyze the relationship between law and inequality in American society.
Teaching Method
There are two 90-minute sessions each week that combine lecture and class discussion. Teams of students will be assigned to lead class discussions on a rotating basis. These class discussions are designed to provide an opportunity for active engagement with assigned readings.
Evaluation Method
Four equally weighted take-home essays of 3-4 pages each, class attendance, and class participation.
Class Materials (Required)
All materials for this course will be made available on Canvas - no purchase necessary.
Class Attributes
Advanced Expression
Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area
Ethics & Values Distro Area