LAWS 834 - Caretaking, the Family and the Law

Credits: 3

In this seminar, which will satisfy the perspective course requirement and the graduation writing requirement, students will explore how law, policy, and cultural norms shape conceptions of family and caretaking of those who cannot fully care for themselves and, conversely, how shifting cultural notions of family and caretaking affect law and policy. Throughout the course, students will also specifically consider how cultural and legal notions of privacy and gender affect the law and policy of family and caretaking. Students will analyze these ideas in a variety of legal contexts including how they impact the law of child welfare, public benefits and poverty law, public education, work, and disability.

It is anticipated that the first half of the course will be spent on readings and class discussions analyzing these concepts. During this time student will also begin developing paper topics in close consultation with the professor. In the second half of the course, class time will be spent on presentations of student papers. Students will be required to read each others' papers and will prepare questions and critiques for the presenters. Following their paper presentations, students will have the opportunity to revise their papers and submit a final draft for grading at the end of the semester.

Note: This course will be a three credit course and will fulfill the perspective course and graduation writing requirements.

Basis of Grade: In addition to the required reading, students will complete a short paper proposal and outline, a draft paper, and final paper. Student will also present that paper and read and critique others' papers.

Form of Grade: Letter

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