Constitutional Studies, Minor

Visit the History and Political Science Department page for more information on the program and access to advising.

Program Description

The Constitutional Studies minor introduces students to U.S. constitutional law and its historical, political, and philosophical roots. It focuses on the development of the U.S. Constitution and its interpretation through judicial decisions. It provides knowledge of the U.S. government’s founding document to prepare students to become more engaged democratic citizens, as well as give those students considering law school a solid foundation of knowledge and experience to prepare them for their future study of the law.

Matriculation Requirements

To be admitted into the program, students must:

1. Possess a 3.0 grade point average
2. Complete 30 credit hours
3. Complete POLS 1000 American Heritage  or POLS 1100 American National Government

Program Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Total Credit Hours		21
Discipline Core Requirements		12 Credits
POLS 3250	Introduction to Law and Politics	3
CNST 4720	Foundations of American Constitutionalism	3
CNST 4790	US Constitution	3
CNST 4795	Civil Rights and Civil Liberties	3
Elective Requirements		9 Credits
Complete three of the following courses for 9 credits:		9
POLS 1020	Political Ideologies (3)
POLS 3260	American Federalism (3)
POLS 3300	Introduction to Public Administration (3)
POLS 4610	International Law (3)
ECON 4500	US Economic Development and History (3)
CNST 3870	Constitutional History to Plessy 1896 (undefined)
CNST 3880	Constitutional History Since Plessy 1896 (undefined)
HIST 3320	Modern Britain (3)
CJ 4160	Constitutional Criminal Rights (3)
CNST 4730	Framing of the US Constitution (3)
CNST 2600	Comparative Constitutionalism (3)
or any other Coordinator or Chair approved courses.

 Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of 21 semester credits from the minor.

Graduation Plan

This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Semester 1		Credit Hours
CNST 4720	Foundations of American Constitutionalism	3
CNST 4790	US Constitution	3
Elective		3
	Credit Hours	9
Semester 2
POLS 3250	Introduction to Law and Politics	3
CNST 4795	Civil Rights and Civil Liberties	3
Elective		3
Elective		3
	Credit Hours	12
	Total Credit Hours	21

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the founding principles and theories behind the drafting and development of the U.S. Constitution.
2. Discuss the basic constitutional powers and structure of the federal government, and its relationship with the various state governments.
3. Discuss the basic origins, drafting, and development of U.S. constitutional rights and liberties, with a focus on The U.S. Bill of Rights, the Modern Civil Rights Movements, and the Ninth, Tenth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Nineteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
4. Discuss the various theories of constitutional interpretation employed by the U.S. Supreme Court and the federal judiciary.