Chicago-Kent offers summer 2020 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 targeted at 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 online July 16 to 18, 2020. The course will meet at the following times:
- Thursday, July 16 — 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
- Friday, July 17— 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, July 18 — 10:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
A final paper will be due from all participants. The course will be taught by Professors Kari Johnson and Emily Aleisa.
Cost
The cost for the three-day course is $500.
Registration
Visit the online registration and payment page to sign up for the course. If the course is full and you would like to be put on the wait list, please email Tasha Kincade at tkincade@kentlaw.iit.edu or call 312.906.5006.
Class Limitations
This course is limited to students not regularly enrolled at Chicago-Kent College of Law 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 take a different focus:
- 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 to complete the 6 credits.
