First Year Seminar:
Lawyers in the American Political System
30:029
(A few comments about the course as taught by Professor Hagle)

I taught 30:029 for the first time during the fall 1998 semester.  Because it is a relatively new course it is still under development.  Even though the specifics are yet to be worked out, the memo I submitted in support of my proposal for the course (below) gives a good description of my overall approach

This memo is in support of my proposal for a First-Year Seminar.

1. Lawyers in the American Political System (1 credit): This seminar will introduce students to several topics and issues related to the roles of lawyers and the legal community in the development of the law and more generally the American political system.
2. As my department's prelaw advisor I often meet students who have little understanding of the various roles lawyers play in the American political system. A better understanding of legal culture will give students a better perspective from which they can evaluate and participate in various legal, political, and bureaucratic institutions.

   Drawing on my own work in judicial politics and behavior, I will use the seminar to introduce and discuss a variety of topics such as legal education and culture, types of lawyers and legal jobs, how lawyers influence the law (including how different types of lawyers influence the law in different ways), and how lawyers influence public policy and political institutions. I will also include discussions and demonstrations on how to use internet resources to keep abreast of legal developments (court decisions, advocacy projects, etc.).

   My expectation at this time is that the format of the seminar will be primarily discussion with short lectures on various topics. I also expect to have a weekly discussion on current law-related events. In addition to exploring the various ways lawyers affect our political system, the current events discussions will work to develop the students' critical thinking skills by showing them how to examine complex problems in everyday situations. In addition to class discussions, I will attempt to bring in guest speakers to share their views and experiences on selected topics related to law and lawyers (e.g., a law enforcement officer, a lawyer). As the class will only meet once a week, I also plan to establish a listserv for the course to continue class discussions and provide additional information.

3. The seminar will not include a student mentor.
4. Students will be evaluated on their participation in the discussions, as well as on a few short essays and presentations.