OLPD1908W

This writing intensive freshman seminar will explore the treatment of legal themes in films, literary texts,
and popular culture. We will look at the law through stories, cinema, television and other mediums to
consider the following questions: Do these portrayals of "the law" enhance or inhibit our understanding of
how the law "works" in our everyday lives, thus impacting our participation as citizens? Do literature,
film and other media accurately reflect both our legal system and how lawyers are trained and the work
that they do, or do they rely upon outdated, stereotypical, or sensationalized portrayals? We will also
consider whether literature, film, and popular culture can actually be useful in helping us better
comprehend the complexities and ethics of the law in all of its often frustrating ambiguity. Students will
have the opportunity to develop their skills in research, analysis, oral communication, and creativity
through writing formal papers, participating in and leading class discussions, making presentations,
writing stories and poems, and completing a group project. At the end of this course, you will be better
able to analyze complex social problems and make informed decisions regarding the important legal and
ethical issues we face as a society. In that way, this course meets an important central goal of a liberal
education: to help you become a more informed, aware, and engaged citizen.

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