Socio-Legal Theory and Practice

The course consists of two parts. Module 1 expands the student's knowledge of socio-legal research traditions, while Module 2 focuses on how socio-legal theories and approaches are applied in the empirical studies of law, the legal system and legal behaviour.

Module 1: Socio-legal research traditions, 7.5 credits

The first module expands the student's knowledge of different research traditions in sociology of law, providing an advanced introduction to socio-legal concepts and perspectives. It also explains how these are applied to the study of law in society. Great importance is attached to critically comparing the similarities and differences between socio-legal theories and research traditions.

Module 2: Socio-legal methodologies, 7.5 credits

The second module describes and analyzes the current social issues and problems from the standpoint of socio-legal theories which have been studied so far. Great importance is attached to devising a research proposal based on a study of the previous research (or doing a “literature review” in sociology of law), formulating a sociologically valid and relevant research question, developing an appropriate socio-legal theoretical framework to analyze the research question and, finally, devising a methodological approach for conducting this research.

Course implementation

The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, exercises and seminars. Participation in exercises and seminars is compulsory. In case of legitimate absence caused by accidents, sudden illness or similar events, students are given additional tasks to complete. This also applies to students who have missed lectures due to their duties as student representatives.

Syllabus for Socio-Legal Theory and Practice (pdf, new tab)

Course Literature for Socio-Legal Theory and Practice, spring semester 2024 (pdf, new tab)