Chicago-Kent offers winter 2018 session of The American Legal System in Popular Culture, a course for visitors to the United States

NOTE: This course is full, and no more registrations are being accepted. Another class will be offered in May 2019.

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 on December 7 to 9, 2018, at Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 West Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois. The course will meet at the following times:

• Friday, Dec. 7 — 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 8 — 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 9 — 10:15 a.m. to 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 Professors Kari Johnson and Emily Aleisa.

Cost

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

Registration

This course is full, and no more registrations are being accepted. Another class will be offered in May 2019.

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.

Questions?

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