Month: March 2019

Fall 2019 Course Suggestions

Still looking for some fall courses? As you know, students in ANY major can attend law school, and there are NO specifically required courses for pre-law undergrads. However, given an interest in law, here are some fall courses that pre-law students may find particularly helpful and interesting. CLICK ON THIS LINK for a handy chart version of Fall 2019 course options. These courses are only suggestions and are not requirements. Check out Course Explorer and speak to your academic advisor about the best courses for you.

NONE of these classes is REQUIRED for law school. How did we pick them? We’ve simply chosen courses that build skills law schools like to see and/or cover topics of interest to many pre-law students. Please be aware that some of these classes listed and other summer classes have prerequisites. Check Course Explorer for details.

For more info on selecting courses that build academic skills for law school, visit this blog post.

AAS 370/LLS 372: Immigration, Law, and Rights. Exploration of the histories, cultures and experiences of immigration to the US by examining cultural production (literary and visual narratives and texts) alongside legal discourses (legislation, federal court cases).

ACE 240: Personal Financial Planning–Understanding financial instruments and tax implications is critical for many lawyers

ACE 306: Food Law and ACE 406: Environmental Law

ADV 310: Intro to Public Relations: Introduces the student to the practice and profession of public relations. Course material covers topics such as the history of public relations and the role of law and ethics in public relations.

Community Health courses are helpful for people interested in healthcare law, such as

  • CHLH 100: Contemporary Health
  • CHLH 101: Intro to Public Health

Communication courses are helpful, as all lawyers must demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills.

  • CMN 101: Public Speaking (this is a prereq for most upper level CMN courses)
  • CMN 211: Business Communication
  • CMN 310: The Rhetorical Tradition
  • CMN 321: Strategies of Persuasion
  • CMN 323: Argumentation

ECON 484: Law and Economics Applications of economic theory to problems and issues in both civil and criminal law and the effect of legal rules on the allocation of resources.

EDUC 202: Social Justice, School & Society

English courses help develop writing, research, and analysis skills.

  • ENGL 199: Career Planning for Humanities Majors
  • ENGL 360: Environmental Writing (same as ESE 360)

ESE 210: Social & Environmental Issues and ESE 466: Environmental Policy for those interested in environmental law

FIN 241: Fundamentals of Real Estate A survey of real estate finance, appraisal, investment, law, brokerage, management, development and economics.

FSHN 101: Intro to Food Science & Nutrition Discusses the evolution of the food system to meet the needs and desires of a complex, heterogeneous society. Provides an overview of food in relation to nutrition and health, composition and chemistry, microbiology, safety, processing, preservation, laws and regulations, quality, and the consumer.

Geography courses may be particularly engaging for students interested in environmental issues, global politics, and/or international legal issues

  • GEOG 101: Global Development & Environment 
  • GEOG 210: Social & Environmental Issues

GLBL 100: Intro to Global Studies; GLBL 260: Global Human Rights; GLBL 340: Policy & Governance

GWS 387/HIST 387: History of Sexuality in the U.S. Explores a wide variety of sources to understand how notions of sexuality have emerged and been contested at key moments in U.S. history. Our guiding questions include: How have “official” or governing discourses of sexuality (in law, medicine, religions, science) been formulated? In turn, how have “ordinary” people understood and practiced their sexuality? How has the meaning of particular sexual practices changed over time?

INFO 303: Writing Across Media, a skill that all careers integrate and value.

LAW 301: Introduction to Law
Serves as a general foundation course for those interested in applying to law school.

Labor & Employment Relations offers multiple courses for undergraduates on labor law and employment law issues, including:

  • LER 100: Introduction to Labor Studies
  • LER 290: Introduction to Employment Law
  • LER 320: Gender, Race, Class, and Work

Philosophy options include:

  • PHIL 102: Logic & Reasoning This course is particularly helpful for students who have yet to take the LSAT, as two sections of the LSAT are based on Logical Reasoning.
  • PHIL 104/105: Intro to Ethics This course includes some basic exploration of ethics, including looking at the relationship between social morality and the law.
  • PHIL 436: Philosophy of Law and of the State

Political Science options to explore specific legal areas include:

  • PS 101: Intro to US Government & Politics
  • PS 199: Politics, Power and Protest
  • PS 220: Intro to Public Policy
  • PS 225: Environmental Politics & Policy
  • PS 280: Intro to International Relations
  • PS 301/302: US Constitution I &II are helpful primers for law school
  • PS 306: Judicial Politics
  • PS 313: Congress and Foreign Policy
  • PS 329: Immigration & Citizenship
  • PS 491: Internship with the Champaign County Public Defender’s Office Unlike other internships that require a substantial research project completed in conjunction with the internship itself for academic credit, credit in this program is based on class meetings and structured assignments that integrate readings on political systems, the legal system, and constitutional and human rights, with on-the-job experience summarizing case files, witnessing trials and colloquies, and interviewing witnesses and clients. Students are supervised by the Champaign County Public Defender or attorneys in the office. Applications are due Thursday, April 4, by Noon.  To apply, click on this link: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/7215596 .  For more information, go here: https://pol.illinois.edu/academics/undergraduate-program/internships.

PSYC 468: Psych and Law
Examines relationship of the administrative, civil, and criminal justice systems to educational and mental health institutions; individual rights, social issues, and psychological well being.

  • SOC 275: Criminology
  • SOC 373: Social Inequality
  • SOC 378: Sociology of Law

SOCW 200: Intro to Social Work studies systemic social issues and resources, working with vulnerable populations

Other courses to explore different areas of law include:

  • JOUR 199: Free Speech & the Right to Offend (2nd 8 weeks) What is the law of Hate Speech? Cross Burning? Flag burning? Can you say the F-word? The N-word? Can a judge or the government do anything about it? This course separates the law from the B.S. and informs you in clear terms what you do and do not have a Constitutional right to say and do in America.
  • JOUR 311: Media Law Detailed analysis of the theories of freedom of expression, the legal doctrines of greatest concern to mass communicators, and contemporary issues related to free speech and press, including libel, copyright, and news-gathering in a digital age.
  • REL 214: Introduction to Islam History of Islamic thought from the time of Muhammad to the present, including the prophethood of Muhammad, the Qur’an, theology and law, mysticism and philosophy, sectarian movements, modernism and legal reform, and contemporary resurgence.
  • RST 225: Environmental Politics & Policy (cross listed as PS 225) Examinations of the political, economic, ecological, and cultural trade-offs between the use and the preservation of the environment, with particular emphasis on the preservation of land and water resources in national parks, forests, and other reserved lands.
  • RST 354: Legal Aspects of Sport A study of legal principles and their impact on the sport industry; the course examines the application of different areas of law including tort, contract, constitutional, anti-trust, and intellectual property law to professional, amateur and recreational sport.
  • SE 400: Engineering Law – note – only prerequisite is Rhet 105. Course covers: nature and development of the legal system; legal rights and duties important to engineers in their professions; contracts, uniform commercial code and sales of goods, torts, agency, worker’s compensation, labor law, property, environmental law, intellectual property.
  • TE 450: Startups: Incorporate, Fund, Contracts, Intellectual Property Explore legal tools used in constructing and operating companies. Topics include: issues with business formation, intellectual property, NDA, contracts, and other corporate legal issues impacting startups.
  • UP 211: Local Planning, Government and Law Provides students with a basic understanding of the governmental structure, legal aspects, and practice of local municipal planning, with special emphasis on case law, constitutional principles, zoning, subdivision regulations and comprehensive planning. Gives an introduction for students interested in pursuing more advanced studies in land use law and local government planning.

Remember that these are only suggestions and that none of these courses is required for law school.  Further, this is not intended to be an exhaustive list. There are many other great courses described in the Course Explorer, some of which have prerequisites but are still open to undergrads. Do your own research and talk with your academic advisor to identify courses that are the best fit for you.

Mark Your Calendars – Week of March 25

Welcome back!  We hope that you had a nice and relaxing Spring Break!  Scroll down for information about a Kaplan LSAT prep scholarship, panels on public interest law and taking a gap year, an opportunity to serve as a juror at the UIUC College of Law, gap year job opportunities for spring grads and more!  And make sure you check the blog this Wednesday, for our post containing suggestions for Fall 2019 courses.

Pre-Law Campus Events:
Public Interest Lawyer Panel

514 Illini Union Bookstore Building (807 S Wright St) April 3, 2019, 5:00 – 6:00 pm. Public interest lawyers serve in a variety of positions providing legal services to the community and serving in governmental roles. Interested in becoming a public interest lawyer? Join us for this panel to learn more about public interest legal careers from multiple public interest lawyers with a variety of backgrounds. From what they do to how they got their current positions and advice for pre-law students, we’ll learn about public interest lawyers and how to prepare for this fulfilling career path

Taking a Gap Year Before Law School

Gregory Hall Room 319 April 10, 20,  6:00 – 7:00 pm. Nationwide, the average law student has taken one or more gap year(s) after undergrad before applying to law school. Whether you are planning to go straight through to law school after undergrad is over or looking at one or more years before law school, this workshop will help you prepare for that next step.  Hear from our panel of current law students from the University of Illinois College of Law and learn more about the pros and cons of both choices.

ATTENTION SPRING 2019 GRADS – Check out our Compass page for a recently-updated listing of job opportunities in Chicago, NYC, DC and more!

LAw SChool Events:
Undergraduate Jurors Wanted!

The Illinois College of Law Trial Advocacy classes are preparing to put on their final trials this April, and are looking for undergraduate students to participate as jurors.

Participants will get to hear either Powell v SuperPulper Inc, a civil suit about a workplace manufacturing death or State v Skywolf, a criminal murder trial. Trials would take place on April 2nd, 8th, 10th, and 11th. Jurors would arrive at the Anderson Courtroom at the College of Law at approximately 4:45, with an expected duration of about 2 and a half hours, and food will be served in an informal post-trial reception with jurors, student attorneys, and guest judges.

If you are interested in participating in one (or more) of these sessions, please e-mail Trial Advocacy’s Visiting Law Associate Thanin Stewart at tostewa2@illinois.edu to sign up.

Other Opportunities and Info for Pre-Law Students:

NOW is the time for June and July LSAT Registration–Planning to take the June or July LSAT? Demand is high, so click here to register now to get a seat. Now is also a good time to apply for a fee waiver. For more on LSAC fee waivers revisit this blog post.

Summer pre-law programs. We posted a spreadsheet full of pre-law undergraduate summer programs over on our Compass page! For example:

summer internship in chicago

Elise Harmening is the Owner and Principal Attorney for Harmening Law, LLC. Elise began Harmening Law, LLC as part of the Justice Entrepreneur’s Project through the Chicago Bar Foundation.  Harmening Law, LLC is committed to providing legal services for clients who do not fit into the traditional legal services model or qualify for legal aid. Throughout her life, Elise has found a real connection with working with families and youth. She has personal experience working through the school system to advocate for accommodations and understands, intensely, what it feels like on both sides of the table. Harmening Law only deals with family and education law. Interns will be able to learn the ins and outs of family and education law. Harmening Law is offering a paid summer internship of $13 an hour for 10-30 hours a week to one intern.

Qualifications:

– Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree.
– Preferably majoring in Political Science, International Relations, Criminal Justice, Philosophy and other related fields of study
– Strong writing skills
– Ability to analyze information
– Ability to quickly learn new tasks
– Ability to do projects independently with deadlines
– Passion in law

Responsibilities

– Filing and making copies
– Writing responses
– Organizing schedule
– Take notes for meetings
– Go to the courthouse at least once a week
– Organizing evidence
– Assist with fillings
– Assisting with client intakes

To apply, send a cover letter (include availability), resume and sample paper to
elise@harmeninglaw.com. Deadline is April 30, 2019.

Elise L. Harmening Harmening Law, LLC 208 S Jefferson, Suite 204 Chicago, IL 60661; harmeninglaw.com

career Center

Go here for information on cover letter, resume and LinkedIn reviews and other Career Center programming.  Here are some additional events of interest.

Global Careers – Peace Corps General Information Meeting – Tuesday, March 26, 5-6pm, Career Center Conference Room 143

Interested in serving in the United States Peace Corps? Learn about the details of Peace Corps during this monthly session led by the University of Illinois campus recruiter.

Work-It-Wednesday: Connect with Recruiters – Wednesday, March 27, 9am-5pm, The Career Center

Work-It-Wednesday is your chance to interact directly with employers. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about professional development, get tips and suggestions for your internship/job search, and have your resume reviewed during a full day of events. Check Handshake @ Illinois for updated information.

Suit Up Event – Sunday March 31, 5-9pm, at JCPenney at Market Place Mall

Join us at JCPenney where you will receive an additional 40% off all suits, professional attire, and accessories! Get measured for a suit, and get tips and advice on putting together business professional attire. Transportation provided.

And don’t forget about the Illini Career and Internship Fair, Thursday, April 11, 1pm-5pm, at the ARC!!

This career fair is open to all disciplines and is designed to serve as a “just-in-time” fair for students that have yet to secure a summer internship or full-time job after graduation.

Scholarships:

LSAT Test Prep Essay Scholarship Contest – Entries DUE April 1, 2019, at NOON!

Are you taking the LSAT but not sure you can afford a commercial prep course? Pre-Law Advising Services is pleased to announce that Kaplan Test Prep has donated one full scholarship for one complete Kaplan LSAT prep class. Find out more about Kaplan here.

This scholarship is intended to assist a University of Illinois student who is in financial need and who will be taking the LSAT within the next year. (Please note that the Kaplan scholarship expires on September 1, 2019, and you must be enrolled in a course by that time). If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, please submit the following:

1) Your resume, AND
2) A short essay (300-500 words) that addresses each of the following:

  • When do you plan to take the LSAT?
  • Have you taken an LSAT prep class before? If so, which one and when?
  • What is your financial need? (It is not necessary to provide exact numbers, just describe your financial situation and why a scholarship is necessary.)
  • How can this scholarship help you achieve your goals?

Submit your resume and essay to Judy Argentieri via email only at jargenti@illinois.edu by NEXT MONDAY, April 1, at NOON.

Note: Pre-Law Advising Services does not endorse any commercial LSAT test prep company.

Did you know that you can get a scholarship for working at an unpaid internship this summer? Apply for the Fred S. Bailey scholarship here, which provides a $1000 stipend for part-time internships and a $2500 stipend for full-time summer internships. Applications due April 8.

Leading IP Firm Carlson Caspers offers 1L Law School Scholarships—April 20, 2019 Deadline

Carlson Caspers, a top-ranking intellectual property law firm in Minneapolis, MN, offers scholarships for diverse students with technical backgrounds who are interested in going to law school.

The Carlson Caspers Diversity and Inclusion 1L Law School Scholarships provide up to two $5,000 scholarships and possible internships and clerkships to prospective law students who will be starting their first year of law school in 2019.

We encourage applicants who are pursuing or have obtained a degree in chemistry, physics, life sciences, pharmacy, engineering, or computer science and intend to practice IP law in the Twin Cities upon graduation from law school.

These scholarships exist because of the firm’s recognition that diversity and inclusion require ongoing and active engagement within our firm and the broader community. We encourage future advocates for justice to apply.  Click on the link below to apply.

The application deadline is April 20, 2019.

http://www.carlsoncaspers.com/diversity-scholarship-program/

And check out the PLAS Facebook page for NEW internship opportunities, summer programs and more!

 

Spring Break Plans For Pre-Law Students!!

How can you maximize your spring break? First things first: Get some sleep, watch Netflix, visit your family and friends. Then take a look at these lists to be super productive and make the rest of your semester SO much easier.

  • Complete your FAFSA if you haven’t already. This is how financial aid for federal loans for summer/fall will be determined, whether you are an undergrad or an incoming law student.

Registration Advice: For help on selecting pre-law courses, check out our blog post  Guide to selecting pre-law coursework for Illinois students! Also, keep a look out for our blog post about our suggested courses for the fall!

Undergraduate Jurors Wanted! The Illinois College of Law Trial Advocacy classes are preparing to put on their final trials this April, and are looking for undergraduate students to participate as jurors.

Participants will get to hear either Powell v SuperPulper Inc, a civil suit about a workplace manufacturing death or State v Skywolf, a criminal murder trial.  Trials would take place on April 2nd, 8th, 10th, and 11th.  Jurors would arrive at the Anderson Courtroom at the College of Law at approximately 4:45, with an expected duration of about 2 and a half hours, and food will be served in an informal post-trial reception with jurors, student attorneys, and guest judges.

If you are interested in participating in one (or more) of these sessions, please e-mail Trial Advocacy’s Visiting Law Associate Thanin Stewart at tostewa2@illinois.edu to sign up.

Freshmen and Sophomores:

  • Apply for Summer Jobs and Internships. Do you have summer plans locked down? If not, apply for jobs and internships. Check out our internship newsletter over on our Compass page. We’ve also listed LOTS of internships on our Facebook page and on our blog!  Use the search box on either of these to find internships. You should also be checking Handshake regularly (or set it to email you when new listings appear).
  • Apply to Summer Pre-Law Programs. These are typically 4-week residential programs to teach the basics of law and how to prepare for law school, and most are free and come with a stipend for selected students. We have been posting these all spring on our blog and Facebook page. Take a look at the Summer Pre-Law Programs spreadsheet on our Compass page, listing over 40 summer programs, for even more opportunities. Note: Some deadlines have passed and others are April 1, so apply SOON.
  • Take a practice LSAT. Not ready to take the real LSAT yet but wondering what it’s all about? Go to this website to download a free practice test. When you’re done, you can score it and watch videos there with explanations of the answers. Want to take more practice LSATs? You can purchase books of 10 previously administered LSATs like this one at Amazon or another bookseller, or used on ebay.
  • Job shadow, or ask a lawyer to spend 30 minutes doing an informational interview with you. Don’t be intimidated; this is an opportunity for you to buy him/her coffee and ask about their professional life. Here’s a resource for planning your informational interview. 
  • Get caught up. Use this time to catch up on studying and prepare for finals–those grades are very important to law schools!

Pre-Law Students and Alumni Applying This Fall:

  • Make your LSAT plans. 
    • Taking the June LSAT? You should already have selected your prep option and started studying. Spring break is a great time to crank up your LSAT studying. Tip: REGISTER FOR THE JUNE LSAT NOW, because the popular test sites fill up around spring break each year.
    • Taking the September LSAT? Now is the time to research LSAT prep options. Check out the LSAT Preparation folder over on our Compass page for information on free LSAT resources as well as listings of popular LSAT prep companies.
  • Decide who will be your recommendation writers. You will want to approach them by this May/June (at the end of THIS semester) so that they have plenty of time to write the letter and your performance is still fresh in their mind. If you are an alum, reach out ASAP because the longer you wait the more difficult it is to track people down and for them to remember you.
  • Register for the Credential Assembly Service. This is the account you will need to open in order to have your recommendation letters processed. Once you set it up, your account is good for five years. You can read all about it here.
  • Mark your calendars. We have upcoming workshops just for you that you should plan to attend. Find them all on our Event Calendar.

Seniors taking a gap year (or two) prior to law school:

  • It’s still a good idea to decide who on campus can write your recommendations, and approach them by the end of this semester. If you wait a year or more the professor is sometimes gone, on sabbatical, retired, etc., so it’s better to get them now. Register for the Credential Assembly Service as listed above so that you can send the letters into your account.
  • We will have a special workshop about Taking a Gap Year Before Law School on April 10th from 6:00 – 7:00 pm at Gregory Hall Room 319.  This workshop will cover how you can maximize your postgraduate time to make yourself an even better law school candidate, and we will share a timeline and game plan for applying to law school as a working professional. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from current law students who worked prior to law school.

Seniors and alumni headed to law school this fall:

  • Complete your FAFSA! Your federal loans will not be disbursed without it.
  • Make final visits to law schools/attend admitted student days. If you’ve decided where to attend, then withdraw from the other schools that have admitted you so that they can offer that seat/scholarship to someone else.
  • Apply for scholarships. We’ve posted lots of scholarships in our blog and over on our Compass page! When you know which law school you are attending, ask your law school financial aid office about scholarship opportunities.

Mark Your Calendars: Week of March 11

Pre-Law Campus Events:
Public Interest Lawyer Panel

514 Illini Union Bookstore Building (807 S Wright St) April 3, 2019, 5:00 – 6:00 pm. Public interest lawyers serve in a variety of positions providing legal services to the community and serving in governmental roles. Interested in becoming a public interest lawyer? Join us for this panel to learn more about public interest legal careers from multiple public interest lawyers with a variety of backgrounds. From what they do to how they got their current positions and advice for pre-law students, we’ll learn about public interest lawyers and how to prepare for this fulfilling career path

Taking a Gap Year Before Law School

Gregory Hall Room 319 April 10, 20,  6:00 – 7:00 pm. Nationwide, the average law student has taken one or more gap year(s) after undergrad before applying to law school. Whether you are planning to go straight through to law school after undergrad is over or looking at one or more years before law school, this workshop will help you prepare for that next step.  Hear from our panel of current law students from the University of Illinois College of Law and learn more about the pros and cons of both choices

Finding & Applying to Federal Government Jobs
Wednesday, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm The Career Center Conference Room 143.

This workshop will give you tips on how to make yourself competitive for federal government opportunities as well as discuss the benefits of working for the government and how to best navigate USAJOBS.gov and other government resources.

LAw SChool Events:
The 16th Annual Illinois Latinx Law Forum: DePaul University College of Law

All Illini are invited to the Illinois Latinx Law Forum, a free event featuring law school admission panels, networking, a mock law class, and a law school fair, on March 16 from 8:30-4:30 at DePaul University College of Law. Check out their website for more details and free registration (breakfast and lunch included). This event is free to attend but advanced registration is required!

Other Opportunities and Info for Pre-Law Students:

NOW is the time for June and July LSAT Registration–Planning to take the June or July LSAT? Demand is high, so click here to register now to get a seat. Now is also a good time to apply for a fee waiver. For more on LSAC fee waivers revisit this blog post.

Summer pre-law programs. We posted a spreadsheet full of pre-law undergraduate summer programs over on our Compass page! For example:

Scholarship:

Did you know that you can get a scholarship for working at an unpaid internship this summer? Apply for the Fred S. Bailey scholarship here, which provides a $1000 stipend for part-time internships and a $2500 stipend for full-time summer internships. Applications due April 8.

And check out the PLAS Facebook page for NEW internship opportunities, summer programs and more!

Summer 2019 Course Options

Many summer classes are offered either in person or online through the University of Illinois. Take a look at Course Explorer (available here) and you’ll see lots of great options for pre-law students, like these that we’ve highlighted below. CLICK THIS LINK for a handy chart version of summer course options: Summer Classes for Pre-Law 2019.

NONE of these classes is REQUIRED for law school. How did we pick them? We’ve simply chosen courses that build skills law schools like to see and/or cover topics of interest to many pre-law students. Please be aware that some of these classes listed and other summer classes have prerequisites. Check Course Explorer for details.

Law 199:  The Best of American Case Law (in person)

This is a 10-day summer course designed to introduce undergrads to some of the most important and exciting law school cases. Students will come to understand how the law school classroom works, experience a broad range of different areas of the law, and engage with nationally renowned law faculty as they present some of the most important legal cases. Following class, students will have the opportunity to eat lunch with the professor and learn more about the class and/or law school. Afternoons will be spent engaged in a focused study and briefing of the next day’s cases, optional social outings, and informational sessions. All students will receive a certificate for successful completion of the course. Current University of Illinois students will also receive 3 credit hours.

SCHEDULE: July 23 – August 2, 2019; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. daily.

PS 100: Introduction to Political Science (online)

Surveys the major concepts and approaches employed in the study of politics. Note: Credit is not given for both PS 100 and PS 200.

PS 224: Politics of the National Parks (both in person and online)

Credit: 2 or 3 hours. This class surveys the major concepts and approaches employed in the study of politics. Class meets online. Class meets June 11 to August 2. This course takes a two-week field trip to the Greater Yellowstone Area to study the politics of wildlife, wilderness, natural resources, and tourism, among other topics. Students will learn about sustainability in the region, the effect of stakeholders on national parks policies, and the legal and administrative environment of the National Park Service. There is a course fee of $800 to cover all transportation, lodging, and meals. For more information, see https://publish.illinois.edu/pahre/study-in-yellowstone-this-summer/

Political Science 280: Intro to Intl Relations (online)

3 credit hours; Structure and processes of international relations, trends in international politics, and the future of the international system.

CMN 101: Public Speaking (in person)

Credit: 3 hours. Preparation and presentation of short informative and persuasive speeches; emphasis on the selection and organization of material, methods of securing interest and attention, and the elements of delivery.

CMN 210: Public Comm in Everyday Life (online)

Credit: 3 Hours. Introduces concepts useful for the critical analysis of public communication in everyday life. Drawing on communication theory and practice, especially theories of rhetoric, the course investigates techniques of persuasion, offers tools for critical analysis of public discourse, and considers the political and ethical implications of various forms of public communication.

CMN 340: Visual Politics (online)

Credit: 3 hours. Explores the role of visual images in U.S. culture, paying special attention to the ways that images function persuasively as political communication. Provides tools for analyzing historical and contemporary images and artifacts, such as photographs, prints, paintings, advertisements, and memorials. Emphasis on how visual images are used for remembering and memorializing; confronting and resisting; consuming and commodifying; governing and authorizing; and visualizing and informing.
BADM 300: The Legal Environment of Business (online)

Credit: 3 hours. Introduction to law and the legal system, litigation, contracts, business organizations, intellectual property, employment law and governmental regulation of business.

EPS 310/AAS 310/AFRO 310/LLS 310: Race and Cultural Diversity (online)

Credit: 4 hours. Note: This is an Advanced Comp. Study of race and cultural diversity from Colonial era to present; the evolution of racial ideology in an ethnically heterogeneous society; the impact of race on the structures and operations of fundamental social institutions; the role of race in contemporary politics and popular culture.

ESE 360/ENGL 360: Environmental Writing (online)

Credit: 3 hours. Note: This is an Advanced Comp that may be a good choice for students interested in environmental law. Equips students to write about the environment for various audiences, with a focus on specific current efforts to promote sustainability on the Urbana-Champaign campus. We will practice effective techniques for each stage of the writing process-from defining topics, to gathering information, to crafting active, engaging prose. Readings will include models of effective environmental writing and “how to” pieces by experts. Research will include visits to campus sites and student-conducted interviews with subjects.

GEOG 210/ESE 210: Social & Environmental Issues (online)

Credit: 3 hours. Introduction to the complex relationship between people and the natural environment from a social science perspective. Explores different approaches to environmental issues, and examines the role of population change, political economy, technologies, environmental policymaking, and social institutions in causing and resolving contemporary social and environmental global issues.

GWS 100/HDFS 140/SOC 130: Intro Gender & Women’s Studies (online)

Credit: 3 hours. Interdisciplinary introduction to the study of gender, women, and sexuality. Addresses issues such as social experience, representation and popular culture, femininities and masculinities, family structure, education, employment, economics, literature and the arts, religion, history, and technology. Explores interrelationships of race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, ability, and age from a transnational perspective.

GLBL 100: Intro to Global Studies (online)

Credit: 3 hours. Foundation course for understanding a range of contemporary issues and learning to analyze them from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Students consider globalizing trends within themes of wealth and poverty; population, cultures, and human rights; environment and sustainability; and governance, conflict, and cooperation. Course objectives are to enhance knowledge of human cultures, their interactions and impacts on the world; develop skills for successfully negotiating realities of contemporary societies; and promote values for global learning, diversity, and sustainable futures.

HIST 100: Global History (in person)

Credit: 3 hours. Broad introduction to global history, by exploring the global structures and transnational forces that have shaped human history, from the emergence of agriculture and urban centers to our contemporary global village. Note: Summer Sessions 1 and 2 cover different topics and eras.

INFO 303: Writing Across Media (in person)

Credit: 3 hours. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple types of media is a crucial part of literacy in our society. In this course, students will explore the intersections of various media: print, film, images, sound, etc. Students will consider the ways in which writing–as an object and as a practice–is shaped by multimodal interactions. Also integrates practical activities with broader theoretical issues in order to provide effective strategies for designing multimedia presentations, projects, and texts that integrate photography, video, and sound.

Summer Institute for Languages in the Muslim World – SILMW is an annual intensive language institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign that focuses specifically on teaching critical languages spoken in the Muslim World. SILMW is 8 weeks long. It runs during Summer II Session. Students can earn anywhere from 3 to 10 credits for these courses.

SILMW offers the following languages:

  • Arabic
  • Persian
  • Swahili
  • Turkish
  • Wolof

Click here for course descriptions and additional details on the Summer Institute.

 

Mark Your Calendars: Week of March 4

PLAS events

Our upcoming Practice LSAT on Friday March 8 is currently full. If you’d like to be added to our wait list, email ccaas-prelaw@illinois.edu and you will be contacted if a seat becomes available.

Just added to our calendar: Taking a Gap Year Before Law School on April 10 at 6:00 pm in 319 Greg Hall. Nationwide, the average law student has taken one or more gap year(s) after undergrad before applying to law school. Whether you are planning to go straight through to law school after undergrad is over or looking at one or more years before law school, this workshop will help you prepare for that next step. What do people do during their gap years? How does taking a gap year or going straight through influence your law school experience? Hear from our panel of current law students from the University of Illinois College of Law and learn more about the pros and cons of both choices–as well as how you can maximize each option–to help you decide the path you want to take to get to law school. Bring your questions for the panelists!

law school events–you are invited to attend!

Challenges to Democracy at Home and Abroad–Mar 5, 12:00 -1:15 pm at the Law Building, Room D (504 E Pennsylvania Ave). Pizza will be served during this panel discussion. Click here for more details.

Happy 200th Birthday McCulloch v. Maryland–Mar 6, 12:00-1:15 pm at the Law Building, Max Rowe Auditorium (504 E Pennsylvania Ave). Read by every law student, McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) is among the Supreme Court’s most important decisions ever. On the 200th anniversary of McCulloch, hear faculty experts discuss the case and its ongoing significance for federal-state relations – as well as whether its principles can and should last another two centuries. Birthday cake will be served! Click here for more details.

Other Opportunities and Info for Pre-Law Students

NOW is the time for June and July LSAT Registration–Planning to take the June or July LSAT? Demand is high, so click here to register now to get a seat. Now is also a good time to apply for a fee waiver. For more on LSAC fee waivers revisit this blog post.

Drop deadline reminder: The deadline to drop a full semester course is March 8. Not sure whether to drop? Talk to your academic advisor!

Summer pre-law programs. We posted a spreadsheet full of pre-law undergraduate summer programs over on our Compass page! For example:

scholarships

Juniors–The Class of 1941 Scholarship recognizes at least one man and one woman from the junior class who has excelled academically, and has volunteered as leaders of extracurricular activities sanctioned by the University. The application deadline is Friday, March 8. Click the following link to access the application: 1920_Class_of_1941_Scholarship_Application.

The Anne Elizabeth Suratt Memorial Scholarship Fund is designated for juniors, seniors or fifth year undergraduates. Applicants must be of junior, senior or fifth year status in the Fall 2018 semester. The recipient must have a B average (3.0 GPA). Preference will be given to a student who is interested in space studies and/or earth sciences, and whose major field of study includes at least one of these areas. Preference is also given to students with demonstrated financial need. In addition, students must demonstrate vision, perseverance and enthusiasm for his/her chosen field. This application and all supporting materials must be received or postmarked by the EXTENDED deadline of March 8, 2019. 1920_Suratt_Scholarship_Application

Did you know that you can get a scholarship for working at an unpaid internship this summer? Apply for the Fred S. Bailey scholarship here, which provides a $1000 stipend for part-time internships and a $2500 stipend for full-time summer internships. Applications due April 8.

And check out the PLAS Facebook page for NEW internship opportunities, summer programs and more!

PAid campus summer positions
division of general studies peer advisors–information session on march 5

The Division of General Studies (DGS) is seeking undergraduate student leaders, who are interested in being a positive influence on the DGS campus community, to assist with our New Student Registration program. The summer peer advisors will work closely with DGS advisors and administrators to gain necessary knowledge to assist incoming freshman in planning for their first semester of college.

DGS Summer Peer Advisors will:

• Learn about the academic advising profession by being an integral part of New Student Registration.
• Collaborate with DGS academic advisors, administrators, and other campus partners
• Serve as a point person for roughly 1,700 new students
• Facilitate morning small group meetings for DGS students during New Student Registration
• Assist new students with registration of courses for the fall semester

Candidates must be available for full day training May 13-16, 2019. Peer advisors will be responsible for working approximately 25 hours per week from May 28-July 2.

The pay for this position is $10 per hour.

Required qualifications:

• Strong communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others
• Knowledge of the Course Explorer website
• Knowledge of UI Integrate Self Service
• Successfully pass a background check
• Minimum GPA of 2.0 or above

Preferred qualifications:

• Former DGS student
• Familiarity of ICT process
• Knowledge of Illinois general education requirements
• Junior or Senior class standing for Fall 2018
• Demonstrated leadership experience
• GPA of 2.5 or above
• Attend a peer advisor informational session

Application: Email a cover letter, resume and three references to Jessica Arnold, jarnold7@illinois.edu by 5pm on March 25, 2019. Applications received after 5pm will not be considered.

Informational Sessions:

Interested Candidates should attend an informational session to learn more about the program and this position. It is not required to apply but encouraged.

• March 5: 3-4pm in IUB 514

las summer interns

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences is accepting applications for five internship positions. Interns will support faculty and LAS International Programs staff working with a group of university students from China who will be on campus for a 4-week summer academic program: Economics and Accounting for the Global Market.

 Note: All applicants are strongly encouraged to enroll in Econ 199: Econ Instruction for Int’l Audiences with Professor Isaac DiIanni. (CRN 68511, meets 2nd 8 weeks spring semester, Mondays 4-4:50pm in Lincoln Hall 1062.)

 Interns will:

  • attend economics and accounting courses with the Chinese students and assist them with their coursework
  • work with the Chinese students to improve their academic communication skills in English
  • accompany the group on site visits and excursions in the local area
  • organize social activities for the group on campus
  • 2 interns will also serve as RAs and live in the dorms with the group.

Dates + Hours

Interns will work approximately 20-25 hours a week between July 16 and August 16. Hours will vary based on the group’s schedule and will include some evenings and weekends.

Salary: $10/hour (interns serving as RAs will also receive free housing and some meals for the duration of the program.)

 Eligibility

  • All Illinois undergraduates are welcome to apply
  • Native or near-native English language skills (Chinese language skills are a plus)
  • Preference will be given to students enrolled in Econ 199

To apply

Submit a resume and cover letter to Elly Hanauer (ehanauer@illinois.edu) by March 30.

 For more information on the program visit: https://publish.illinois.edu/jesie-lasprogram/

Campus Events

Career Center–Visit their website here for more information

Creating Your Powerful Resume-Mar 5, 6-7 pm, Career Center Conference Room

Immigration Attorney Presentation (for international students)–Mar 8, 3-5 pm, Career Center Interview Suite, Room 213. Immigration attorneys will speak on immigration and employment options after OPT and can answer questions about what options are available after the completion of F-1 or J-1 status in the U.S. This presentation will also include information about current immigration law issues including potential changes in H1B sponsorships.

Global Careers–Resumes and Interviews for Jobs in China–Mar 8, 6-8 pm, Greg Hall Room 213. Come and learn about how to prepare for resumes and interviews for jobs in China. This workshop targets Chinese students and Chinese speaking students who are interested in the job market in China. The presenter is Mr. Haozhuan LI, CEO of Liepin Overseas that is a recruitment consulting firm for Chinese students. This workshop is co-hosted by Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) at Illinois.

Resume/Cover Letter/Linked In Reviews

  • Mar 4, 2-4:30 pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm Ikenberry Commons
  • Mar 5, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center; 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Mar 6, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center, 5-7:30pm BrewLab Coffee Shop
  • Mar 7, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center
  • Mar 8, 2-4:30pm TCC Resource Center

Career Fairs. Mark your calendars for spring career fairs, which are open to all Illinois students and present both job and internship opportunities. Find these and other fair opportunities .

  • Illini Career & Internship Fair–April 11, 1-5pm, ARC. This career fair is open to all disciplines and is designed to serve as a “just-in-time” fair for students that have yet to secure a summer internship or full-time job after graduation. Visit their website here.

Go to the Career Center website to find other programs!