2023-2024 Catalog 
    
    Dec 04, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Pre-Law Major


Advisors — Dr. Esler and Dr. Louthan, Politics and Government; Dr. Terzian, History

Law schools do not require one specific major for admission. They do seek evidence of a deep and broad liberal arts education that provides critical understanding of the human condition and the institutions that shape society. Law schools seek students who possess strong analytical ability and a proclivity for reading and life-long learning, the ability to write and speak clearly and precisely, empathy for others, objectivity in the ability to understand both sides of an argument, and who are well-rounded individuals who can work with a diverse range of people. While students interested in a career in law may major in any subject, typical choices include politics and government, history, English, and economics.

Ohio Wesleyan students also may select an interdepartmental pre-law major. Students who major in pre-law must complete a second major in a traditional course of study. For the pre-law major, a core of appropriate courses is outlined in politics and government, history, English, philosophy, and economics. Six other courses complete the major. They may be chosen from a range of social science and humanities courses. Because law’s purpose is to establish rules by which people can live fulfilling lives and to solve human problems when they arise, the best preparation for the professional study of law is to learn as much about people and society as possible.

Core Courses


Two politics and government courses from the following: PG 350 , PG 351 , PG 352 , or PG 490  Moot Court; any American, British, French, German, or Spanish literature course; one philosophy course from the following: PHIL 341  or PHIL 112 ; any upper-level (250 or above) American or British History course; and any economics course.

Electives


Six courses from ACCOUNTING; ANCIENT, MEDIEVAL, AND RENAISSANCE; BLACK WORLD STUDIES; CLASSICS; COMMUNICATION; DATA 300.1; ECONOMICS; EDUCATION; ENGLISH (excluding ENG 105 ); ENVIRONMENTAL; GEOGRAPHY; HISTORY; PHILOSOPHY; POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT; PSYCHOLOGY; RELIGION; SOCIOLOGY/ANTHROPOLOGY; WOMEN AND GENDER. No more than two may be taken in one department.

Note(s):


A general description of Ohio Wesleyan’s pre-professional programs appears in the earlier chapter of this Catalog, Degrees and Special Programs.