Minor Program in Public Law | Academic Advising & Career Centre

Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/polisci/

Program Overview

The Minor in Public Law examines how the legal system, of which the constitutional order and judiciary are integral parts, governs the relationship both among constituent units of the state and between citizens and the state. It also examines the obligations that states have to one another via international law. Courses in the program address the normative foundations of principles of justice and human rights; the role of constitutions and courts in safeguarding the rule of law, protecting civil liberties, and curbing state power; the constraints to state sovereignty posed by international law and international courts; and the implications of the legal order for democratic and legitimate policy-making.

Complementary Programs:

Major or Minor Programs in Political Science, Public Policy, City Studies, Sociology, Economics for Management Studies, Psychology

Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

Competencies & Skills

An understanding of the law in its broader context
The ability to analyze issues from a variety of perspectives
Critically analyze problems, think creatively and make decisions while considering different sides of an argument
Understand social issues and their relation to contemporary legal questions

Careers for Graduates

Policy Analyst/Advisor in Government
Research Analyst in Think Tanks
Legislative Aide/Assistant in Government
Service Representative in Social and Community Government (all levels of government)
Lawyer
Judge
Labour Relations Specialist
Law Clerk
Legal Aid Worker
Paralegal
Policy Researcher

Further Education

Political Science
Policy (many varieties)
Administration/Service
Business Administration
Law
Paralegal
Public Relations
Community Service Management

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
Use Degree Explorer to plan your courses and program.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Learn how to read and write academic texts and do your own research; seek support from your professors and TA’s.
Book an appointment with your program librarian for in-depth research assistance with your assignments; get writing support at the CTL Writing Centre.

Apply Theory to Practice

Volunteer in DSL’s Alternative Reading Week to gain experience in community development and social change.
Attend the University of Toronto Model Parliament (UTMP) conference to better understand the political processes.
Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Get involved with the Law Society of UTSC (LSOU) and the Political Science Students’ Association (PSSA); also explore other relevant student clubs and activities on campus.
Participate in Department of Student Life’s (DSL) LEAD program to build confidence, self-esteem and resiliency.

Plan for Your Future Career

Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely

1.5 credits as follows: POLB30H3, POLB56H3 and POLB57H3.
Use Degree Explorer to plan your courses and program.
Meet with your Program Advisor or Supervisor to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Further develop your general academic skills by attending workshops offered by the Academic Advising & Career Centre (AA&CC) and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL).

Apply Theory to Practice

Consider contributing in leadership about an issue that is important to you in the UTSC community by running for a seat on the Campus Council, Governing Council or the Academic Affairs Committee.
Join the Law Society of UTSC (LSOU) and participate in a mooting or mock trial competition.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Check CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment) to search for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.
Gain international experience by studying at an international host university for one term to one year through the Student Exchange Program; visit ISC for details.

Plan for Your Future Career

Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.

Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely

0.5 credit as follows: POLC32H3
1.5 credit from: POLC33H3, POLC34H3, POLC36H3, POLC38H3, POLC39H3, POLC56H3, POLD30H3, POLD38H3, POLD42H3, POLD44H3, POLD45H3, POLD46H3.
0.5 credit from requirement above or an appropriate course from another discipline, including at UTSC, UTM and St. George, as approved by the Public Law Program Advisor.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Develop research skills by entering to win the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.
Conduct a 12-24 week research project at a university overseas through the Mitacs Globalink Research Award; or apply for the Summer Research Exchange Program to research at an international partner university; visit ISC for details.

Apply Theory to Practice

Apply for an internship at the Coalition for the International Criminal Court to learn more about the International Criminal Court, international law, the United Nations, the role of NGOs in the development and promotion of human rights and other related issues.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Join the Canadian Law and Society Association (CLSA); volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest.
Intern with a Non-Governmental Organization in Ghana, Malawi, Sri Lanka or Tanzania with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship Program; visit ISC for details.

Plan for Your Future Career

Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
Talk to professors about how to strengthen your application for graduate school.

Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Complete any remaining Public Law electives (POLC33H3, POLC34H3, POLC36H3, POLC38H3, POLC39H3, POLC56H3, POLD30H3, POLD38H3, POLD42H3, POLD44H3, POLD45H3, POLD46H3), if not yet completed in Year 3
Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Apply for an Academic Travel Fund through DSL to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.
Talk to professors from C- or D-level courses in which you did well to explore research assistantships.
Develop your own research project by enrolling in POLD95H3.

Apply Theory to Practice

Attend the Summer & Full-Time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for relevant summer and full-time positions.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
Volunteer to be a First Year Peer Advisor in DSL’s First Year Experience Program.

Plan for Your Future Career

After you graduate, apply for the Ontario Legislature Internship Program to build a career in government, business, law, or academic life.
Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May, and attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course.”
Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

Glossary

AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
LSOU - Law Society of UTSC (https://lawsocietyutsc.ca)
NGO - Non-Governmental Organization (https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/transparency/briefing-materials/corporate-book/non-governmental-organizations.html)
PSSA - Political Science Student Association (https://utapss.sa.utoronto.ca)
SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
UTMP - University of Toronto Model Parliament (https://www.flickr.com/people/utmpfashion)