Course Syllabus
HR 5793 - Social Change and the Law
Faculty Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Description
The class will learn central issues found when exploring social justice as seen in various areas of law. We will begin with a discussion of the general framework of law and guidance of human relations principles found within the framework. Then we will explore different areas of law where rich examples of human relations and social justice can be seen including but not limited to constitutional law, health law, family law, criminal law, immigration law, and employment law. Along the way, we will discuss the intricacies of interactions between the human actors seen in legal arenas including but not limited to: lawyers, judges, petitioners, plaintiffs, respondents, defendants, and government officials. We will also explore the social justice and human relations strategies and techniques most often employed by these human actors in these arenas and analyze their effectiveness.
Course Materials
All the reading materials for this course will be available in each module. There will not be a textbook required for this course.
Recommended (not required)
- Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. (1 Cranch) 137 (1803).
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Case Brief | Written assignment consisting of briefing a legal case | 20 |
| Documentary Assignment | Written assignment based upon the documentary film assigned | 15 |
| Participation | Live Session attendance/participation | 60 |
| Midterm Exam | Written assignment that explains a scenario (or multiple) of social change as seen through the lens of a topic of law covered in the first half of the semester | 25 |
| Final Exam | Written assignment based on a scenario of social change as seen through the lens of an area of law covered in the second half of the semester | 30 |
| Total | 150 |
Scale
| Percentage of Points | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Case Brief
For this assignment, you will learn how to brief a legal case. You will be taught, in-class, how to brief a case and you will be expected to utilize such teachings in briefing a case on your own. A rubric and further instructions will be provided and discussed in class.
Documentary Assignment
In order to better understand historical and current issues found in human relations through the lens of law, you will watch an instructor-selected documentary on your own time, outside of the classroom setting. You will be expected to write a 4-5 page paper on your observations of the film as it relates to relevant principles of class material.
Participation
In-class Exercises
There are six exercises that will be completed in class and will include session discussion and input. Further instructions will be given at the time of each session/exercise.
Live Sessions
Active participation includes relevant in-class discussion, Live Session attendance (or making up the session if unable to attend), and respectful relations among your colleagues.
Note: All assigned readings must be completed prior to the class meeting. Class discussion will be based on the reading, and informed participation in discussion is expected. Additional reading material may be assigned in class. Class discussion will be based on the Socratic method, often utilized in a law school setting.
Midterm Exam
For this assignment, you will prepare a 6-page paper in APA format that explains a scenario (or multiple scenarios) of social change as seen through the lens of a topic of law (or multiple topics of law) covered in this class up to the point in time of the midterm exam.
Further details about the midterm will be discussed and provided during prior class meetings.
Final Exam
Students will repeat the process of the midterm exam but will write a 6-page paper based on a scenario (or multiple scenarios) of social change as seen through the lens of an area of law (or multiple areas of law) covered in the second half of the semester, covered after the midterm exam. All requirements of the paper will remain the same as the midterm exam.
Course Policies
Communication
🚩🚩 How do you want students to contact you? Do you prefer to be contacted through Canvas or by email? Give students an estimate of when you will reply? Usually 24 hours M-F. Will you check emails over the weekend?
How do you prefer to be addressed (Professor, Dr., by your first name, etc.)? Clearly explain your role and expectations for how you would like students to interact with you and others. This may be especially helpful for learners who may need encouragement to "speak up". 🚩🚩
Feedback
🚩🚩 Please tell students when they can expect feedback and grades on their activities and assignments. You should aim for a one-week turnaround on most assignments. 🚩🚩
Late Policy
🚩🚩 Add information about your late policy or missed work. Will you accept late work? If so, will there be a penalty? 🚩🚩
Plagiarism
🚩🚩Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries. 🚩🚩
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Access the University Academic Policies Document.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|