The Queen’s University Faculty of Law has just launched one of the first academic programs specifically directed at undergraduate students to be offered, and taught, directly by a law faculty. 

The program, the Queen’s Certificate in Law, will be available to undergraduates at Queen’s and, as a fully online program accessible through eCampus Ontario, to undergraduates in universities and colleges across Ontario and Canada.

Designed to introduce undergraduate students to the study of law, the program builds on the success of LAW-201: Introduction to Canadian Law, and includes courses dealing with some of the most important issues in contemporary society: Aboriginal law, Workplace Law and Corporate Law. The 12-credit program will provide students with a comprehensive overview of each target area of law from a range of perspectives, the opportunity to learn and apply the basic concepts of legal reasoning, evaluate fact scenarios, and develop and justify a legal position.

“We’re tremendously excited to be offering this new undergraduate Certificate in Law,” says Bill Flanagan, Dean of Queen’s Law. “LAW-201, our flagship undergraduate course, has been a hit with Queen’s students, both on-campus and online. When we asked undergraduate students if they wanted us to offer additional courses and an academic credential such as the Certificate, the response was overwhelmingly positive.

“One of the really attractive features of this program is its applicability to a wide range of career paths, from business to public service,” Dean Flanagan continued. “With the knowledge provided by the Certificate, students will be able to bring a level of legal literacy to the workplace that can distinguish them and open doors for them professionally.

“For example, engineering and commerce students, especially those seeking to pursue careers in entrepreneurship, would benefit from both Corporate and Workplace Law. Engineering students, particularly those involved in resource development, would benefit from Aboriginal Law. Students with an interest in human resources would benefit from a course offering a focus on contemporary Workplace Law.” 

“It’s not just the topic areas themselves, however, that will make these courses of interest to students,” says Cherie Metcalf, Associate Dean (Academic) for Queen’s Law. “We’ve really focused on making the structure and content of the courses as engaging as possible, whether students are taking them on-campus or online. We’ve integrated student inquiry and case-based activities that focus on diverse perspectives and real-life issues.

“Longer term, depending on student interest and demand, we see the opportunity to expand the courses being offered as part of the Certificate, including Constitutional and Public Law, Intellectual Property Law, Health Care Law, Criminal Justice, Immigration Law, Family Law and International Law. It will be exciting to see how the program evolves.”

Students wishing to pursue the Certificate in Law are encouraged to visit www.certificate.queenslaw.ca to learn about the program and the Certificate courses.

- Dirk Rodenburg