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What is Constitutional Studies?

 

OU undergraduates currently have two options to pursue Constitutional Studies. (1) A student can major in Letters with a concentration in Constitutional Studies or (2) a student who is majoring in any undergraduate degree at OU can elect a minor in Constitutional Studies.

 

What is Required?

Fifteen hours of coursework, of which 12 must be upper division, spread over four themes. The student must complete at least one course from each unit (scroll down to see a list of qualifying courses):

  1. Ancient Foundations of Law and Justice
  2. The Philosophical Background of American Constitutionalism
  3. The American Founding
  4. The Constitutional Legacy in Modern America
    *One additional course from 2-4.

Read the Constitutional Studies for the minor checksheet (PDF).
View the Letters-Constitutional Studies major checksheet (PDF).

 

How do I declare Letters-Constitutional Studies as a major or Constitutional Studies as a minor?

Visit the College of Arts and Sciences advising desk in Ellison Hall, and fill out the major/minor form. (The Letters-Constitutional Studies major code is B636 P136; the Constitutional Studies minor code is N240).

 

Who should take Constitutional Studies?

Constitutional Studies is an exciting curriculum that features some of the university’s most dynamic courses. It allows students to take courses from different departments in a single degree program.

Students who are interested in American history and politics should find the curriculum especially appealing. Constitutional Studies is also perfect for students who are considering law school.

The Constitutional Studies minor is a practical and exciting way for students who are pre-professional majors to include the humanities as part of their college experience.



How does the Letters major work?

The Letters degree is interdisciplinary, and the curriculum is flexible enough to accommodate most students’ interests. Majors take courses in the areas of History (History and the History of Science), Literature (Classics, English, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics), and Philosophy (Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies)

In addition, the major requires students to take supporting courses in an ancient language, a modern language, and the appreciation of the fine arts. The program is based upon the assumption that cultivated intelligence, good judgment, and artistic expression in speech and writing are desirable in and for themselves.

Letters majors who declare a Constitutional Studies concentration fulfill these requirements while taking courses that qualify in the Constitutional Studies curriculum. See the Letters website.

 

Who can I talk to about Constitutional Studies?

You can contact any of the advisors in the Classics & Letters department by calling 405.325.6921. You can also get in touch with us directly by calling 405.325.7697 or by emailing iach@ou.edu.