Sociology of Law (408-0-20)

Instructors

Laura B Nielsen
Legal Studies: 620 Lincoln St #204, Sociology: 1808 Chicago Ave # 209
Laura Beth Nielsen, JD, PhD is Professor of Sociology and Director of Legal Studies at Northwestern University as well as Research Professor at the American Bar Foundation. Her interests are in the study of law and inequality with a focus on race, gender, sexual orientation and other systems of unearned privilege. She studies legal consciousness – how ordinary people understand, invoke, and fail to invoke the law.

Meeting Info

Parkes Hall 222: Tues, Thurs 10:30AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

This course is a general introduction to the sociology of law intended for graduate students in all disciplines. The course takes a critical empirical approach to the relationship between law and society, with an emphasis on law and inequality. The course will cover classic and contemporary works on central topics in the sociology of law, including the relationship between social theory, critical race theory, and law; the politics and social organization of disputes; legal pluralism and legal consciousness; law and inequalities of race, gender, and citizenship; the relation of law, rights, and social movements; law, employment rights, and organizations; and the role of litigants, lawyers, and judges as social actors.

Evaluation Method

book review, research paper, participation

Class Materials (Required)

All materials for this course will be made available on Canvas - no purchase necessary.