Legal Studies

Legal Studies at Hampshire College offers an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the law and its role in society. This program is designed for students who are interested in exploring the foundational principles of legal systems, the socio-political contexts in which laws are developed and enforced, and the ethical considerations surrounding justice and human rights. Through a combination of coursework, experiential learning, and independent research, students will delve into areas such as constitutional law, criminal justice, civil rights, environmental law, and international legal issues. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication skills, preparing graduates for careers in law, public policy, advocacy, or further legal education. Hampshire’s distinctive educational philosophy emphasizes personalized study plans, active participation, and collaborative projects, enabling students to tailor their legal studies to their individual interests and career goals. The program also fosters engagement with real-world legal challenges through internships, community-based projects, and partnerships with legal organizations. By integrating diverse disciplines such as political science, philosophy, history, and sociology, students gain a comprehensive perspective on the complexities of law and justice. Hampshire's Legal Studies program aims to cultivate socially conscious leaders who are equipped to analyze legal issues critically, advocate ethically, and contribute meaningfully to societal change. Graduates leave with a solid foundation in legal theory and practice, alongside the skills necessary to navigate and influence contemporary legal landscapes.

• Law, Identity, and Bioscience
• African Americans and the Politics of Reparations
• Critical Bioethics
• Citizenship, Freedom and the Good Life
• Border Matters: Mexico & the U.S.
• Constitutionally Queer: Law and Politics of Sexuality
• Critical Race Theory
• Environmental Policy in a Time of Globalization
• Ethnography of Law, Science and Medicine
• Feminist Legal Theory
• Freedom of Expression
• Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity
• Human Rights Law and Culture
• International Human Rights Tribunals
• Law, Identity & Bioscience
• Law and Society
• Patriot(ic) Acts: Law and the Production of Difference
• People Out of Place: Bodies, Borders and Documents
• Politics of the Abortion Rights Movement
• Science in the Courtroom
• War on Terror: Exception or Business as Usual?
• Women, Law and Sex in the Mediterranean, 1300-1800
• Law & Conscience (UMass)
• Punishment, Politics & Culture (AC)
• Race, Place & the Law (AC)
• Social Organization of Law (AC)

Requirements

• Common Application
• An academic paper in English
• Supplemental essay responses
• Current transcripts
• School report, including guidance counselor recommendation
• At least one letter of recommendation from a teacher
• Certification of Finances form
• TOEFL or IELTS score (Minimum TOEFL score of 91 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. Predicted grades for IB English A1 or A2, or for A-level English, will also be considered.
• Additional letters of recommendation, up to three

Scholarships

• MacArthur Foundation Grant Making Programs
• American Association of University Women
• Fulbright International Scholarship Program for non-US students

Legal Studies at Hampshire College offers an interdisciplinary and unconventional approach to understanding the law, its principles, and its impact on society. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of legal systems, policies, and their social implications. Students explore a diverse range of topics including constitutional law, civil rights, environmental law, international law, human rights, and criminal justice. The curriculum emphasizes active learning, including case studies, research projects, and experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and community engagement.

Hampshire College’s unique educational philosophy encourages students to craft personalized academic pathways, allowing for flexibility and integration of other disciplines like political science, history, sociology, and philosophy into their legal studies. The program aims to prepare students for a variety of careers, including law school, public policy, advocacy, nonprofit work, or further graduate studies in related fields. Faculty members are engaged in ongoing research and bring a hands-on approach to teaching, fostering an environment where students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The college’s commitment to social justice and community involvement is reflected in its legal studies offerings, often focusing on social justice law, civil liberties, and advocacy for marginalized groups. Students are encouraged to critically examine legal structures and their role in perpetuating or challenging social inequalities. Through seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects, students gain the skills necessary to analyze complex legal issues and propose innovative solutions.

Hampshire College’s legal studies program may also include options for study abroad programs or partnerships with legal organizations, providing students with broader perspectives and real-world experience. Overall, students graduate from this program with a comprehensive understanding of the law's position within societal contexts, equipped with the critical thinking and advocacy skills essential for future success in law and related professions.