Legal Studies

General information

Law plays an ever-growing role in our lives. Most of the controversial issues of today — whether stemming from political conflict, technological developments, economic inequality or other social changes — are expressed and mediated through law. The Legal Studies program at UOIT offers students the opportunity to critically explore the social roles of law and its connections with community, government and society from different theoretical perspectives. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking and analytic skills alongside a practical understanding of how to access and use legal materials. Our faculty’s commitment to interdisciplinary approaches to both formal and informal law equips students to address socio-legal and social justice issues in a variety of contexts.

The first year of study is common to all Legal Studies students. Beginning in second year, students will have the opportunity to continue with the Comprehensive program or to specialize in Human Rights Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution or Information Law.

Admission requirements

Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.

Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U). All other applicants should refer to admissions  for the requirements for their specific category of admission.

Practicum

A limited number of fourth year students are granted an opportunity to participate in a learning experience with a community organization. The Practicum course consists of 100 hours of fieldwork, several in-class seminars and a set of academic assignments. The Pre-Practicum course commences in the winter of third year. As part of the Pre-Practicum, students will be expected to acquire a Vulnerable Sector check. For additional information please refer to the course descriptions for SSCI 3098U  and SSCI 4098U .

Program details and degree requirements

To be eligible for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Legal Studies, students must successfully complete 120 credit hours, including all courses outlined in the following program map. Each year prior to course registration the order and timing of course offerings will be released by the faculty and communicated to students.

Year 1 (30 credit hours)

• One general elective (recommend ALSU 1101U )
• COMM 1100U – Introduction to Communication Studies
• CRMN 1000U – Introduction to Criminal Justice
• LGLS 1000U – Foundations of Legal Studies
• POSC 1000U – Introduction to Political Science
• POSC 1200U – Introduction to Social Policy
• PSYC 1000U – Introductory Psychology
• SOCI 1000U – Introductory Sociology
• SSCI 1300U – Social Problems
• SSCI 1910U – Writing for the Social Sciences

Year 2 (30 credit hours)

• Two general electives
• CRMN 3040U – Restorative Justice
• LGLS 2100U – Public Law
• LGLS 2110U – Private Law
• LGLS 2200U – Legal Theory
• LGLS 2940U – Legal Research Methods
• SSCI 2900U – Research Methods

• Two of:

• LGLS 2120U – International Law or
• LGLS 2420U – Canadian Human Rights Law or
• LGLS 2500U – Information and Privacy Law

Year 3 (30 credit hours)

• Three Legal Studies electives*
• Two general electives
• COMM 3610U – Persuasion

• One of:

• LGLS 3300U – Disability and the Law or
• LGLS 3310U – Indigenous Peoples, Law and the State in Canada or
• LGLS 3320U – Race, Ethnicity and the Law or
• LGLS 3330U – Gender, Sexuality and the Law

• Three of:

• LGLS 3200U – Sociology of Law or
• LGLS 3220U – Philosophy of Law or
• LGLS 3230U – Law and Globalization or
• LGLS 3240U – Cultural Studies of Law or
• LGLS 3520U – Law and Technology

Year 4 (30 credit hours)

• One 3000- or 4000-level SSCI course
• Four general electives**
• LGLS 4200U – Law and Social Change
• SSCI 4020U – Leadership and Administration

• One of:

• SSCI 4098U – Practicum or
• One 4000-level LGLS course

• One of:

• LGLS 4099U – Legal Studies Integrating Project or
• SSCI 4101U – Honours Thesis I

• One of:

• SSCI 4102U – Honours Thesis II or
• One 4000-level LGLS course

*Legal Studies electives

Legal Studies electives consist of any LGLS course plus:

• CRMN 2010U – Criminal Law
• CRMN 2050U – Rights and Freedoms in the Justice System
• CRMN 4032U – Criminal Justice Mediation
• SSCI 2011U – Immigration and Refugee Law

**Recommended elective

• COMM 4610U – Communication and Conflict Resolution

SSCI 4101U and SSCI 4102U Honours Thesis I and II

In order to be considered for the Honours Thesis I students must apply during their sixth semester to begin their Honours Thesis I  in semester seven. The course application must include a detailed statement of intent outlining the methodology, theoretical significance and the projected timelines for completion of the project. To proceed to Honours Thesis II  a student must have successfully completed Honours Thesis I with a minimum A- and prepare a written statement outlining the projected timelines for completion of the project.

Please note: only a limited number of applicants will be admitted to the Honours Thesis. Consent is required from both the instructor and the dean.