Shape the future by understanding the past

Pursue a History BA with a concentration in Law and Social Justice

The Sacramento State History BA with a concentration in Law and Social Justice pairs courses in American constitutional, legal, and political history with a broad introduction to social issues and movements central to the development of American and global human rights regimes. The concentration is ideally suited for students planning to seek careers in law, but it also offers a well-rounded course of study for students interested in careers in politics, public policy, or social activism. Undergraduates in this concentration receive extensive training in critical thinking, evidence-based research, and analytical writing, preparing them to enter law school or other post-baccalaureate degree programs.

BA in History (Law and Social Justice) Catalog Description

Pre-Law Advising

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Mona Siegel, History, Law & Social Justice Coordinator, msiegel@csus.edu

Dr. Jeffrey Wilson, History Department Chair, jkwilson@csus.edu

Why choose to major in History, Law, & Social Justice?

• Gain the historical perspective needed to advocate for
  justice and reform.
• Hone your research, writing, and critical thinking skills.
• Prepare for success in law school or other advanced
  degree programs.
• Develop a well-rounded understanding of key social and
  political issues.

What will you Learn About?

• American constitutional, legal, and political history
• Global and U.S. social movements
• Histories of under-represented communities
• Origins and transformations of contemporary social problems
• Development of civil and human rights regimes around the world

What Skills will you build?

Critical thinking
➢ recognizing, evaluating, formulating, and justifying
arguments

Evidence-based research
➢ substantiating interpretations with primary and secondary
sources

Analytical writing
➢ presenting ideas in logical, compelling, and refined prose

What Careers will this degree prepare you for?

Law
➢ including civil rights, immigration, constitutional law, labor and
employment, environmental justice…

Politics
➢ at all levels, federal, state, local…

Public Policy
➢ concerning issues like education, housing, women’s and children’s
rights, urban development…

Social Activism
➢union organizing, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and protections,
fighting systemic racism, oppression, voter suppression…

Department land acknowledgment

We acknowledge the Nisenan people on whose unceded lands we are gathering and the Puhtwin and Miwok peoples whose unceded homelands also include the city of Sacramento. We also acknowledge the sovereign tribes of Nisenan, Wintun, Miwok, Me-Wuk, and Maidu peoples in the wider Sacramento region.