Law, Religion and Politics, Minor

This interdisciplinary minor in law, religion and politics is unique to Saint Louis University.

In it, SLU students analyze and compare legal norms, theory and practice within religious traditions and in legal systems. They gain a theologically and historically grounded understanding of concepts of human dignity and justice that should be respected and promoted within systems of law and political structures. They consider how laws and political structures can exercise equity toward all members of a community. They develop strong skills in analysis and oral argumentation and real-world experience through an internship.

Curriculum Overview

SLU's minor in law, religion and politics requires 18 credits in courses from political science, theological studies, and other departments. All courses are marked with a "Law, Religion, & Politics" attribute. No more than nine credits may be taken in any one department. The minor includes a 4xxx-level seminar and an internship. It is open to all students but is easily joined with the Pre-Law Scholars Program.

Theological Studies Course
Choose one course from the following:3
Justice and Peace: The Legal Imagination in Christianity
Creativity and Constraint: The Legal Imagination in Judaism
Political Science Course
Choose one course from the following:3
Theories of Justice
Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
Law, Religion, & Politics Electives
Choose 6 credits of courses with Law, Religion, & Politics attribute. Examples include:6
Immigration in U.S. History and Culture
American Incarceration
French Revolution and Napoleon, 1789-1815
Introduction to Law
Philosophy of Law
Theory and Practice of Human Rights
International Law
The Politics of Pope Francis
In Prisons Dark: Confinement Literature in the Russian and Soviet Empires
Faith and Politics
Incarceration and Incarnation: Prisons and Christian Ethics
Internship3
Public Service Internship
Legal Internship
Legal Internship
Law, Religion, & Politics Seminar
Choose a 3-credit seminar with Law, Religion, & Politics Seminar attribute (typically in THEO or POLS)3
Total Credits18

Continuation Standards

Students in the law, religion and politics minor must maintain a 2.00 grade point average (GPA) in required coursework.