Criminology, Law, & Society Minor, UG

for the Undergraduate Minor in Criminology, Law & Society

Criminology, Law and Society provides a foundation for students seeking to supplement their major area of study, to develop knowledge and skills needed for criminological, law, and justice related occupations, or to lay foundation for law school or graduate study in sociology, criminology, or justice fields. Students take a range of sociology courses that provide theoretical and practical knowledge while exposing students to current sociological, legal, and justice issues. 

for the Undergraduate Minor in Criminology, Law & Society

SOC 100Introduction to Sociology3-4
or SOC 163 Social Problems
SOC 275Criminology3
One of the following courses:3
SOC 378
SOC 477
SOC 479
Law and Society 1
Choose three courses from the following (9 hours minimum); at least 3 hours must be at the 300- or 400-level:9
SOC 101
Sociology of Gender
SOC 225
Race and Ethnicity
SOC 310
Sociology of Deviance
SOC 373
Social Inequality
SOC 375
Criminal Justice System
SOC 378
 1
SOC 390
Individual Study 2
SOC 396
Topics in Sociology 2
SOC 400
Internships 2
SOC 477
 1
SOC 479
Law and Society
SOC 490
Advanced Independent Study 2
SOC 496
Advanced Topics in Sociology 2
Total Hours18
1

 If not taken as part of the core. Credit is not given for SOC 477 and SOC 479.

2

 Advisor approval required -- course topic must be focused in criminology and/or law.

for the Undergraduate Minor in Criminology, Law & Society

  1. Identify the key theories and concepts in sociological research on law and legal systems, including law and society and criminology.
  2. Compare the strengths and weaknesses of key theories in the fields of criminology, law, and society and evaluate relevant empirical evidence supporting those theories.
  3. Identify and evaluate various research methods used in sociolegal research.
  4. Analyze primary texts, identifying interpretations and conclusions of those readings.
  5. Understand how society influences legal definitions and institutions and how legal definitions and institutions, in turn, shape society.
  6. Apply theories and concepts central to criminology, law, and society to real world situations and events.

for the Undergraduate Minor in Criminology, Law & Society

Department of Sociology

Sociology Faculty
sociology@illinois.edu

Sociology Advising: Sociology advising

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Overview of College Admissions & Requirements: Liberal Arts & Sciences