Title

Bridge Over the River Qua: Using Simulations to Span the Divide Between Prelaw and Political Science Students

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Political Science Education

Publication Date

4-3-2017

Abstract

Undergraduate public law courses often attract students with competing expectations. Some students enroll in these courses to prepare for law school, while others enroll in the courses to gain a broader understanding of courts in the American system of government. These differing student constituencies can create a dilemma for instructors. A course designed to cater to students with a general interest in the judiciary may not afford prelaw students with an appreciation for the demands of the legal profession. Conversely, a course narrowly tailored toward prelaw students risks alienating the majority of students for whom this class may be their only look at the judiciary. As a means to promote pedagogical balance and to appeal to varied student constituencies, we profile five public law simulations in this article that engage students in active learning and promote a greater understanding of law and courts.

Volume

13

Issue

2

First Page

225

Last Page

238

DOI

10.1080/15512169.2017.1279975

ISSN

15512169

E-ISSN

15512177

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