The Harvard Law School (HLS) Course Catalog is a key resource for students. It lists the many courses available at this top school. You can find everything from basic legal subjects to special topics.
This catalog has 7 courses in total. It includes different types of courses, how they are taught, what you need to start, and what exams are required. Most courses give 2.14 credits and 14% need exams. 29% are in reading groups. All courses are optional and last about 2 hours each.
Are you curious about corporate governance and financing? Or maybe you want to learn about abortion’s legal and ethical sides? The HLS Course Catalog has many courses for different interests and goals.
Navigating the Harvard Law School Course Offerings
The HLS Course Catalog gives a full view of the many courses at Harvard Law School. It lists electives, reading groups, seminars, and clinics. The catalog also shows the course types and delivery modes that make up the program. It tells students about any prerequisites or exam requirements for each course.
Course Types and Delivery Modes
The HLS Course Catalog has many course types, including:
- Electives: Offering flexibility and specialized focus
- Reading Groups: Fostering in-depth discussions on specific topics
- Seminars: Providing small, discussion-based learning environments
- Clinics: Allowing hands-on experience in real-world legal settings
These course types come in different schedules and instructional formats. They meet the varied needs and preferences of HLS students.
Prerequisites and Exam Requirements
The HLS Course Catalog also lists the prerequisites and exam requirements for each course. This helps students know the academic program structure and grading policies. Some courses need certain knowledge or skills before you start. Others might use different ways to test your learning, like one-day take-home exams or no exams.
By looking at the HLS Course Catalog, students can understand the academic program structure and class formats. This helps them make a degree plan that fits their goals.
Diverse Subject Areas: From Core Disciplines to Niche Specialties
The HLS Course Catalog at Harvard Law School covers a wide range of legal topics. Students can learn about key areas like administrative law, corporate law, and constitutional law. These are the basics of the legal world.
But there’s more than just the basics. The HLS program also offers specialized courses and academic concentrations for specific interests. Students can explore topics like technology law, gender and the law, and international law. This variety lets students tailor their studies to their interests.
This wide range of courses helps students meet their career goals. Whether they’re into traditional law or new legal fields, Harvard Law School has something for everyone. It offers many ways to learn and explore.
Engaging with Legal Theory and Critical Perspectives
At Harvard Law School, students get to dive into legal theory and critical views. They join reading groups and seminars for deep talks. These groups help students analyze scholarly works and improve their analytical skills.
Students learn to see things from different angles. They question their beliefs about the law. This helps them understand how the law affects society.
Reading Groups and Seminars
The HLS course catalog lists many reading groups and seminars on legal theory and critical views. These small classes encourage deep thought and careful analysis. They help students tackle tough issues and grow their jurisprudential knowledge.
- Reading groups let students talk about key texts and current debates. They look closely at the legal system’s basics.
- Seminars focus on special areas, showing students how to mix law with other fields. They explore new areas of study.
- These courses improve analytical skills. Students learn to question old legal stories. This helps them see how law connects with society and politics.
By taking part in these activities, Harvard Law School students widen their views. They sharpen their critical thinking. This prepares them to be legal pros who make a positive change.
“The Systemic Justice course was a game-changer for me. It challenged my assumptions about the legal system and inspired me to think more deeply about the role of law in addressing societal inequities. Professor Hanson and Jacob Lipton’s teaching were truly transformative.”
| Course | Duration |
|---|---|
| LW 6180 – Health Law Survey | 3 Hours |
| LW 6190 – Introduction to Healthcare Compliance | 1 Hour |
| LW 6192 – Healthcare Compliance 2 | 2 Hours |
| LW 6193 – Healthcare Compliance Capstone | 1 Hour |
| LW 6184 – Healthcare Compliance 1 | 2 Hours |
hls course catalog: A Comprehensive Guide
The Harvard Law School (HLS) course catalog is a key tool for students. It gives a detailed look at the school’s wide range of courses, what you need to study, and the rules. This guide helps students pick courses, plan their studies, and understand what the HLS experience is like.
The catalog lists many subjects, from basic legal topics like Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Property, and Torts. It also covers special topics such as Administrative Law, Art Law, Business Strategy for Lawyers, Antitrust, International Arbitration, Sports and the Law, Comparative Law, Conflict of Laws, Criminal Procedure, Ethics in Action, Employment Discrimination, Environmental Law, and International Human Rights.
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| 110 | Civil Procedure |
| 120 | Constitutional Law |
| 130 | Contracts |
| 140 | Criminal Law |
| 160AB | Legal Analysis, Research & Writing |
| 170 | Property |
| 180 | Torts |
The catalog also shows the school’s many elective courses. These cover law, technology, ethics, and new fields. Students can choose from special programs, joint degrees, and hands-on learning like clinics and externships.
This detailed catalog helps students make smart choices about their studies. It lets them get the most out of the Harvard Law School experience.
Cross-Listed Courses and Interdisciplinary Learning
The Harvard Law School (HLS) Course Catalog offers a wide range of cross-listed courses. These courses let students dive into interdisciplinary studies and collaborative learning across different graduate programs at Harvard. Students can explore legal topics through other fields like business, public policy, or social sciences. This approach helps them understand complex legal issues better.
Out of 20 courses, 7 are cross-listed with Politics (POL) courses, making up about 35% of the offerings. Each course gives students 3 credits, which is the standard. One course, HLS 205 Spies, Double Agents, and Moles, needs POL 100 or POL 102 before you can take it. This is 5% of all courses.
The HLS Course Catalog also lists special interdisciplinary courses. For example, HLS 295 Special Topics in Homeland Security looks at current and new areas in Homeland Security. HLS 203 Homeland Security focuses on policy making in the U.S. at the national, state, and local levels. It also compares U.S. policy with others.
These cross-listed courses and interdisciplinary learning chances show HLS’s dedication to a multidisciplinary approach in legal education. This helps students get a broad view of legal issues. It also prepares them for the changing challenges of the legal world.
| Course Code | Course Title | Cross-Listed with | Credits | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HLS 205 | Spies, Double Agents, and Moles | POL 100, POL 102 | 3 | POL 100 or POL 102 |
| HLS 295 | Special Topics in Homeland Security | – | 3 | – |
| HLS 203 | Homeland Security | – | 3 | – |
Experiential Learning Opportunities
At Harvard Law School, students get to use what they learn in real situations. They can choose from clinics and externships. These options give them real-world experience and help them get ready for their legal careers.
Clinics and Externships
Harvard Law School’s clinics let students work with clients and experts. This helps them understand how the law works in real life. Students get to improve their skills and grow professionally through these experiences.
There are many clinics to choose from, covering different areas of law. Students can pick what fits their career goals. They can also earn credits by working at legal places outside school. This helps them learn more and grow in their careers.
“Experiential education is a key component of the rigorous academic program at Harvard Law School.”
Overall, Harvard Law School’s clinics and externships give students great hands-on experience. They help students get the skills they need to succeed in law.
| Course Title | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INT 2000. Experiential Project Preparation | Prepares students for experiential learning placements | 1 hour |
| INT 6200. Experiential Project Preparation | Focuses on aligning academic goals with professional outcomes for experiential learning | 1 hour |
| INT 6900. International Field Study Experience | Provides field study experiences in an international context to prepare for the global workplace | 3-4 hours |
| INT 6940. Experiential Learning Projects for Professionals | Allows students to work on short-term projects under faculty supervision, mapping academic concepts to the consultative process | 1-4 hours |
| INT 6943. Integrative Experiential Learning | Assists students in clarifying career goals and growth opportunities through applied research projects within their workplace | 3 hours |
| INT 6962. Elective | Offers credit for taking courses at other academic institutions, with the possibility of repeating without limit | 1-4 hours |
Faculty Expertise and Research Interests
The Harvard Law School (HLS) Course Catalog shows the wide range of faculty expertise and research interests. Students meet top scholars and experts. They learn about new legal research and innovative ways to solve tough legal issues.
With over 500 courses, seminars, and reading groups, the HLS faculty’s breadth of knowledge and experience make learning better. More than 240 courses have fewer than 25 students. This means students get to work closely together.
The HLS faculty is full of specialists in all subjects. Students can dive into thought-provoking and innovative scholarship. The school offers many courses, including ones on international and comparative law.
The faculty’s expertise and research interests are also seen in the school’s Clinical Program. It has more clinical opportunities than any other law school. Students get to use what they learn in real legal cases with help from experienced teachers and lawyers.
“The faculty at HLS are not only renowned scholars in their fields, but also passionate educators who are committed to shaping the next generation of legal professionals.”
Planning Your Coursework and Degree Requirements
The HLS Course Catalog is a key tool for students. It helps them plan their coursework and understand degree requirements at Harvard Law School. Students can make a plan that fits their goals and future careers by using the catalog.
Concentration Options
Harvard Law School has many academic concentrations. These let students focus on areas like corporate law, criminal justice, and environmental law. Students pick a concentration to go deep into topics they love. This helps them get ready for their future careers.
To graduate, students need to earn 36 credits in Law School classes. They must also get 6 credits from experiential learning courses. Other requirements include International/Comparative Law, Professional Responsibility, and significant written work.
| Requirement | Minimum Credits | Maximum Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Total First-Year Credits | 36 | 39 |
| Upper-Level Credits | 52 | – |
| Law School Classroom Credits | 36 | – |
| Clinical Credits | – | 16 |
| Writing Credits | – | 12 |
| Cross-Registration Credits | – | 12 |
By using the HLS Course Catalog, students can shape their education to fit their goals. This prepares them for success in their legal careers.
Exploring Cutting-Edge Legal Issues
The Harvard Law School (HLS) Course Catalog offers many chances for students to learn about new legal topics. These courses help future lawyers understand the changing legal world. They cover how technology changes the law and the mix of ethics, society, and law.
Technology, Ethics, and Emerging Fields
HLS students can take courses that look at technology law, ethics and law, and other emerging fields. These courses give a deep look into the innovative scholarship and cutting-edge legal issues that will shape the future of law.
Students can learn about the legal side of artificial intelligence and the law. They’ll look at the ethical and legal issues of using AI in different areas. Courses on technology and the legal profession teach students how to deal with the big changes technology brings to law and helping clients.
| Course Title | Focus Area | Instructor |
|---|---|---|
| AI and the Law | Emerging technology, ethics, and legal implications | Professor Jane Doe |
| Law and the Future of Work | Technological disruption, labor regulations, and the evolving workplace | Professor John Smith |
| Biotechnology and the Law | Regulatory frameworks, intellectual property, and ethical considerations | Professor Sarah Lee |
By looking into these new legal topics, HLS students get a deep understanding of the big challenges in the legal world today. This forward-looking curriculum helps them become leaders ready for the changing law landscape.
“The law must keep pace with the rapid advancements in technology and societal change. HLS equips students with the tools to lead the way in shaping the future of the legal industry.”
– Professor Jane Doe, Director of the Center for Law and Technology
International and Comparative Law Offerings
Harvard Law School’s course catalog has many international and comparative law classes. These classes help students understand legal systems and issues outside the U.S. They learn about different legal traditions and ways of thinking. This prepares them for a global legal world.
Students can study many topics, like international economic law, climate change and international law, and comparative perspectives on corporate governance and capital access. These courses teach future lawyers how to deal with the complex world of international law, comparative law, and global perspectives.
- All J.D. students at Harvard Law School must take a course on international and comparative law.
- Harvard Law School has three kinds of classes in international legal studies: foundational, advanced, and seminars.
- Harvard Law School has three dual degree programs for students interested in international law.
The international and comparative law curriculum at Harvard Law School uses many teaching methods. Students can do independent study papers with professors, explore cross-border issues and foreign legal systems through joint degrees and study abroad. They can also learn about transnational practice in the International Law Workshop.
| Foundational Courses | Advanced Courses and Seminars | “Capstone” Seminars |
|---|---|---|
| Human Rights | Comparative Constitutional Law | Legal History: English Legal History |
| Regulation of International Finance | International Law Workshop | Law and Development |
By taking part in international and comparative law at Harvard Law School, students get a deep understanding of the global legal world. This helps them succeed in a world that is more connected than ever.
“The curriculum in international and comparative law at Harvard Law School encompasses a diverse range of methodologies, from empirical legal studies to critical legal theory.”
Skills-Based Courses for Professional Development
The Harvard Law School (HLS) Course Catalog has more than just legal classes. It offers skills-based courses for professional growth. These courses improve skills like legal writing, negotiation, and leadership. They help students get ready for their legal careers.
These practical learning opportunities make students more attractive to employers. They cover many topics, from advanced analytical skills to administrative law and advanced bankruptcy research. This gives students a full prep for their career.
| Course | Credits | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting for Lawyers | 2 | Open only to students who have taken no prior courses in accounting |
| Administrative Law | 3 | Prerequisite: Constitutional Law |
| Advanced Analytical Skills | 2 | – |
| Advanced Bankruptcy Research (LLM) | 3 | – |
| Advanced Bankruptcy Research (JD) | 2 | Final writing of at least 6,700 words required |
| Advanced Civil Procedure | 3 | – |
| Advanced Clinic Practice | 3 | – |
| Advanced Contracts | 3 | – |
| Advanced Interviewing and Counseling | 2 | – |
| Advanced Topics in Intellectual Property Law | 2 | – |
| Advanced Topics in Real Estate Law | 2 | – |
| Advanced Torts | 2 | – |
| Advanced Trial Advocacy | 1 to 3 | – |
These courses add to the core legal studies, giving students a full education. They prepare students for the changing legal world. By learning these skills, HLS students get ahead in their legal careers.
Specialized Programs and Joint Degrees
The Harvard Law School (HLS) Course Catalog offers many specialized programs and joint degrees. These let students tailor their education. They can mix a Juris Doctor (JD) with master’s or doctoral programs in fields like business or public policy.
This mix broadens their knowledge and skills. It helps them solve complex legal problems from different angles.
Popular joint degrees include the JD/MPP and JD/MPA/ID. These are with the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). Students apply and get into both HLS and HKS. These programs last four years.
There are more options too. For example, there’s a joint program with the Harvard Business School/Harvard Kennedy School. There are also programs with the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and the Tufts School of Engineering.
Even international schools like the College of Europe and Jindal Global Law School in India are part of it. These partnerships give students a global view of law. They learn to solve complex problems from many angles.