# 2026-2027 Course Catalog

**Source**: https://catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/las/minors/criminology-law-society/
**Parent**: https://catalog.illinois.edu/degree-programs/undergraduate_index/

*for the Undergraduate Minor in Criminology, Law & Society*

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Criminology, Law and Society provides a foundation for students seeking to supplement their major area of study, to develop knowledge and skills needed for criminological, law, and justice related occupations, or to lay foundation for law school or graduate study in sociology, criminology, or justice fields. Students take a range of sociology courses that provide theoretical and practical knowledge while exposing students to current sociological, legal, and justice issues.

*for the Undergraduate Minor in Criminology, Law & Society*

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Course List

     | Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [SOC 100](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=SOC%20100 "SOC 100") | Introduction to Sociology | 3-4 |
| or [SOC 163](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=SOC%20163 "SOC 163") | Social Problems | |
| [SOC 275](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=SOC%20275 "SOC 275") | Criminology | 3 |
| One of the following courses: | | 3 |
| SOC 378 |  |  |
| SOC 477 |  |  |
| [SOC 479](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=SOC%20479 "SOC 479") | Law and Society 1 |  |
| Choose three courses from the following (9 hours minimum); at least 3 hours must be at the 300- or 400-level: | | 9 |
| [SOC 101](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=SOC%20101 "SOC 101") | Sociology of Gender |  |
| [SOC 225](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=SOC%20225 "SOC 225") | Race and Ethnicity |  |
| [SOC 310](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=SOC%20310 "SOC 310") | Sociology of Deviance |  |
| [SOC 373](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=SOC%20373 "SOC 373") | Social Inequality |  |
| [SOC 375](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=SOC%20375 "SOC 375") | Criminal Justice System |  |
| SOC 378 | 1 |  |
| [SOC 390](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=SOC%20390 "SOC 390") | Individual Study 2 |  |
| [SOC 396](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=SOC%20396 "SOC 396") | Topics in Sociology 2 |  |
| [SOC 400](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=SOC%20400 "SOC 400") | Internships 2 |  |
| SOC 477 | 1 |  |
| [SOC 479](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=SOC%20479 "SOC 479") | Law and Society |  |
| [SOC 490](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=SOC%20490 "SOC 490") | Advanced Independent Study 2 |  |
| [SOC 496](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=SOC%20496 "SOC 496") | Advanced Topics in Sociology 2 |  |
| Total Hours | | 18 |

1
:   *If not taken as part of the core. Credit is not given for SOC 477 and [SOC 479](https://catalog.illinois.edu/search/?P=SOC%20479 "SOC 479").*

2
:   *Advisor approval required -- course topic must be focused in criminology and/or law.*

*for the Undergraduate Minor in Criminology, Law & Society*

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1. Identify the key theories and concepts in sociological research on law and legal systems, including law and society and criminology.
2. Compare the strengths and weaknesses of key theories in the fields of criminology, law, and society and evaluate relevant empirical evidence supporting those theories.
3. Identify and evaluate various research methods used in sociolegal research.
4. Analyze primary texts, identifying interpretations and conclusions of those readings.
5. Understand how society influences legal definitions and institutions and how legal definitions and institutions, in turn, shape society.
6. Apply theories and concepts central to criminology, law, and society to real world situations and events.

*for the Undergraduate Minor in Criminology, Law & Society*

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## [Department of Sociology](https://sociology.illinois.edu/)

[Sociology Faculty](https://sociology.illinois.edu/directory/faculty)\
[sociology@illinois.edu](mailto:sociology@illinois.edu)

Sociology Advising**:** [Sociology advising](https://sociology.illinois.edu/academics/academic-advising)

## [College of Liberal Arts and Sciences](https://las.illinois.edu/)

**Overview of College Admissions & Requirements:** [Liberal Arts & Sciences](https://catalog.illinois.edu/schools/las/academic-units/)

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