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Undergraduate

Law, Ethics and Constitutional Studies

Explore historical and modern questions in constitutionalism, ethics, and the law through the lessons of some of the world’s most famous political, ethical, legal, and constitutional thinkers.

Why Study Law, Ethics, and Constitutional Studies at Assumption?

Jointly sponsored by the Political Science and Philosophy Departments, the Law, Ethics and Constitutional Studies (LEX) minor explores engaging topics such as The American Founding, Constitutional Law, Logic, and the Philosophy of Law and the works of great thinkers ranging from Aristotle to James Madison. Throughout the minor, students study various landmark legal documents, political works, and philosophical texts to reflect on the nation’s constitutional order and its roots in the Western political and philosophical traditions.

Whether you’re a future lawyer or politician, or simply interested in the subject, the reasoning, rhetorical, and writing capacities students develop in the LEX minor are ideally suited to graduate school, law school, and employment in a variety of fields, such as government, teaching, journalism, law, and business. Drawing on the unique strengths of Assumption as a Catholic liberal arts institution, the LEX Minor is designed for those students who aspire for both a meaningful career and life as a thoughtful citizen.

Program Contact

Geoffrey Vaughan, Ph.D

Professor Political Science
508-767-7038 Founders Hall - Room 301

100%
All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants
Students from 29 states and 21 countries
11:1
Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

  • The LEX minor consists of seven courses: four specified courses, two courses selected from Electives List A, and one course selected from Electives List B.

    Required Courses (4)

    PHI 199 Logic
    PHI 314 Philosophy of Law
    POL 312 The American Founding
    POL 316 Constitutional Law Electives

    List A (2)

    PHI 318 Individual and Community
    PHI 321 Biomedical Ethics
    PHI 322 Advanced Topics in Ethics
    POL 311 American Political Thought
    POL 315 The Judiciary
    POL 318 Problems in Civil Liberties
    POL 345 Political Mass Murder
    POL 373 International Law
    POL 376 Terrorism in the Modern World
    POL 377 Politics of Just Wars

    Electives List B (1)

    BUS 215 Business Law I
    ECO 230 Law and Economics
    ENG 201 Argument and Persuasion
    ENG 211 Speech
    HIS 202 Ancient Rome, 509 B.C. – A.D. 565
    HIS 259 Revolutionary America
    HIS 267 United States Foreign Relations Since 1776
    LAT 101-202 Latin I-IV
    PHI 202 Ethics
    POL 110 Political Issues: The Quest for Justice
    POL 201 American Government
    SOC 242 Criminology
    THE 343 Social Teachings of the Church

    Course Descriptions


Experiential Learning

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.


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