Please visit the catalog archive for details about 2022-23 degrees and programs.

 
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Constitutional Studies, Minor

Requirements

The Constitutional Studies minor introduces students to U.S. constitutional law and its historical, political, and philosophical roots. It focuses on the development of the U.S. Constitution and its interpretation through judicial decisions. It provides knowledge of the U.S. government’s founding document to prepare students to become more engaged democratic citizens, as well as give those students considering law school a solid foundation of knowledge and experience to prepare them for their future study of the law.

Total Program Credits: 21

Matriculation Requirements:  

To be admitted into the program, students must:

  1. Possess a 3.0 grade point average
  2. Complete 30 credit hours
  3. Complete POLS 1000 American Heritage SS or POLS 1100 American National Government AS
Discipline Core Requirements: 12 Credits
  POLS 3250 Introduction to Law and Politics 3
  CNST 4720 Foundations of American Constitutionalism 3
  CNST 4790 US Constitution 3
  CNST 4795 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties 3
Elective Requirements: 9 Credits
Complete three of the following courses for 9 credits: 9
  POLS 1020 Political Ideologies (3)  
  POLS 3260 American Federalism (3)  
  POLS 3300 Introduction to Public Administration (3)  
  POLS 4610 International Law (3)  
  ECON 4500 US Economic Development and History (3)  
  CNST 3870 Constitutional History to Plessy 1896 (3)  
  CNST3880 Constitutional History since Plessy 1896 (3)  
  HIST 3320 Modern Britain (3)  
  CJ 4160 Constitutional Criminal Rights (3)  
  CNST 4730 Framing of the US Constitution (3)  
  CNST 2600 Comparative Constitutionalism (3)  
  or any other Coordinator or Chair approved courses.  

Graduation Plan

This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.

Semester 1 Course Title Credit Hours
CNST 4720 Foundations of American Constitutionalism 3
CNST 4790
U.S. Constitution 3
Elective 3
  Semester total: 9
Semester 2 Course Title Credit Hours
POLS 3250 Introduction to Law and Politics 3
CNST 4795 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
  Semester total: 12
  Degree total (with prerequisite): 21

Department

History and Political Science

The History and Political Science department is in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. To find the most up-to-date information, including Program Learning Outcomes for degree programs offered by the History and Political Science department, visit their website.

History and Political Science department

Program Details

Program Learning Outcomes
  1. Discuss the founding principles and theories behind the drafting and development of the U.S. Constitution.
  2. Discuss the basic constitutional powers and structure of the federal government, and its relationship with the various state governments.
  3. Discuss the basic origins, drafting, and development of U.S. constitutional rights and liberties, with a focus on The U.S. Bill of Rights, the Modern Civil Rights Movements, and the Ninth, Tenth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Nineteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
  4. Discuss the various theories of constitutional interpretation employed by the U.S. Supreme Court and the federal judiciary.

 

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