SPRING 2021 PLAN:
With the Fall semester well underway, the College has announced the Spring calendar and plans. See our announcement on the Spring calendar. The College is prepared to welcome community members back to campus for the Spring semester with current safety precautions still in place and in accordance with current guidance from the State of New York. For questions and other communications related to the coming academic year and campus reopening, email COVID-19@mville.edu. Safety policies and protocols can be found here.
Legal Studies
Request InformationDEGREE
Bachelor of Arts
CAREER IDEAS
Educator, Government Official, Judge, Lawyer
The Legal Studies major is designed to give students an overview of the American legal system, to help them understand the fundamentals of public and private law, and to acquaint them with the philosophical and historical roots of contemporary American law.
The courses in this program are small (generally ranging in size from 10 to 12 in a seminar or 20 to 30 in a 2000-level course). This small size facilitates in-class discussion and permits the students ample opportunity to work closely with the professors, all of whom are distinguished scholars or practitioners of law.
Students learn to read difficult legal material, including cases and statutes, as well as works of history and philosophy. Students also learn to write legal briefs, analyze complex arguments, and write effective and persuasive essays. There are in-class oral arguments and mock trial exercises which give the students a chance to simulate the roles of judges, jurors, witnesses, and attorneys in the daily practice of law. The program provides a superb preparation for law school and for participation in any law-related profession or graduate education. The writing and oral communication skills developed can also be of use to graduating students in a variety of fields, from government to business and beyond. Students in the program also have the opportunity to do an internship in a legal field.
Current information about degree program requirements can be found in the official College Catalog.
Manhattanville boasts a world class faculty who are committed to teaching students to be ethical and socially responsible leaders in the global community. The faculty ensures the intellectual and personal development of each student. Professors teaching in the program have research expertise in American politics, global legal issues, US legal history, international politics, genocide studies, global energy politics, and other related issues.
Please contact any of the above faculty or the Division Chair for more information. Division Chair: Lisa Rafanelli, Lisa.Rafanelli@mville.edu, 914 323-7182.