Chicago-Kent College of Law to offer fall 2019 session of The American Legal System in Popular Culture, a course for visitors to the United States

The American Legal System in Popular Culture is a six-credit course offered to students seeking an introduction to the American legal system and how it is portrayed in modern media. The course is intended for au pairs and others visiting the United States who are interested in a broad understanding of the nation's legal system and its role in shaping American culture.

Date and Location

The course will be offered September 6–8, 2019, at Chicago-Kent College of Law, located at 565 West Adams Street in Chicago. The course will meet at the following times:

• Friday, September 6—1:00–6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, September 7—9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
• Sunday, September 8—10:15 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

The law school is located in downtown Chicago's West Loop neighborhood, conveniently close to public transportation. A final paper will be due from all participants. The course will be taught by Professor Kari Johnson and Visiting Assistant Professor Emily Aleisa.

Cost

The cost for the three-day course is $500.00.

Registration

Visit the online registration and payment page to sign up for the course.

Class Limitations

This course is limited to students who are not regularly enrolled at Chicago-Kent or Illinois Institute of Technology. It is designed for students visiting from other countries with a limited understanding of or exposure to the American legal system. Students must be fluent in English and able to participate in class discussions and prepare various written assignments, including a five- to seven-page paper at the conclusion of the course.

Synopsis

This three-day course will study the American legal system through the lens of culture. Each day will focus on a different topic, including:

• U.S. constitutional law and its cultural depictions
• U.S. criminal law and its cultural depictions
• U.S. civil law and its cultural depictions

Using films and readings as a basis for class discussion, we will explore what makes the U.S. legal system complex and unique. The course will feature a participatory mock trial. Students will be given reading and viewing assignments before, during, and after the course in order to complete the six credits.

Online payment and registration form

Questions?

Please contact Johnson at kjohnson@kentlaw.iit.edu.