Oct 31, 2024  
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2013-14 
    
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2013-14 [Archived Catalog]

Philosophy—Prelaw Major (B.A.)


Major code BA5244

College of Arts and Sciences
Philosophy Department
Ellis Hall 202
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.4588
Fax: 740.593.4597
philosophy.department@ohio.edu
http://www.philosophy.ohiou.edu

Al Lent, contact person

Program Overview

The prelaw major in philosophy is for students whose major interest in philosophy is using it to help understand the logic and ethical assumptions behind the law. While providing a basic education in philosophy, the prelaw track allows a focus on the philosophy of law, social and political philosophy, and moral theory. Students with this sort of background are especially well suited for law school and the practice of law.
 

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Change of Program Policy

No selective or limited admission requirements.

External Transfer Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
 

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Excellent preparation for law school.
 

Requirements

Universitywide Graduation Requirements


To complete this program, students must meet all Universitywide graduation requirements .

College-Level Requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences


View the A&S - College Level Requirements (A&S CLR) .

Philosophy Prelaw Major Requirements


Complete 33 hours of PHIL coursework, as distributed in the seven components listed below.

Component 1: Fundamentals


Complete both of the following courses:

Component 2: History of Philosophy


Complete one of the following courses:

Component 3: Logic


Complete the following course:

Component 4: Political Theory


Complete the following course:

Component 5: Upper Division Courses


Complete one of the following courses:

Component 6: Electives


Complete an additional 6 hours of PHIL courses at the 4000 level, not including PHIL 4901 and PHIL 4970.

Component 7: Senior Seminar


Complete the following course:

Preparation for Law


If you plan to enter law school after earning an undergraduate degree, it is prudent to choose a major that reflects your true academic interest. Law schools draw students from a variety of majors, and history has proven to be one of the most successful in launching students toward successful careers in law. This is because our courses provide an understanding of the context within which the western legal tradition emerged.  They explain the impact that laws and courts have had on shaping society and, conversely, how societal change has reshaped legal practice. As critically the habits of a historian teach students to read and contextextualize evidence, to consider multiple perspectives, and to frame and express arguments, skills that numerous lawyers and administrators of law schools suggest are the closest approximation of legal practice that can be simulated in an undergraduate curriculum.   

Additional information about the history department’s prelaw program is available at:
www.ohio.edu/history/undergraduate/prelaw.html.

In addition to our diverse array of history courses, you are advised to use your general electives to take other courses helpful in enhancing your analytical abilities. Those may include courses from English composition and literature, American literature, political science, economics, sociology, philosophy (include ethics and logic), accounting, psychology, and a foreign language. Courses in speech, and training in expression, as well as activities that develop the capacity for independent thought and action, are recommended.

The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that to enter law school you must be able to show possession of an undergraduate degree from an approved college if you wish to take the Ohio Bar Examination. Law schools in the State of Ohio require the degree of all entering students, regardless of the state in which they plan to take the bar examination. More general informaton regarding prelaw can be found at: www,cas.ohiou.edu/undergrad/cat/PreLaw.asp.