LGS 270 - Gender and the Law

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
This course meets the Diversity Requirement.

Study the law as it relates to gender and sexuality. Focus on constitutional scrutiny of gender issues. Explore topics such as: the right to privacy; theories of sexuality and gender; sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace, education, and the military; bodily integrity and consent; and legal issues of marriage, custody, adoption and assisted reproduction. Lab fee $10.

Note: This course is not considered a legal specialty course for the purpose of earning legal specialty credits in the Paralegal Studies Program. However, it may be applied as a general elective in the Paralegal Studies Program as noted in the program description. Please consult with an advisor before registering for this course; credit will not be given for LGS 270 and also GSS 270.

Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Analyze gender issues under applicable test of Constitutional Scrutiny.
Identify prominent theorists of sexuality and gender and describe their theories as a basis for law.
Describe the origin of citizens’ right to privacy and its application to conception, contraception, abortion, sexual contact and sexuality.
Research and locate state and federal laws affecting gender in the workplace, education and the military.
Prepare anti-discrimination and federal compliance policies for the workplace and educational institutions.
Describe the hostile environment and quid pro quo methods of proving sexual harassment.
Analyze military regulations impacting women in combat and homosexuality in the military.
Analyze the law and its impact on gender and sexuality issues relative to child custody, adoption, foster care, assisted reproduction and marriage.
Prepare a legally binding agreement regarding the creation and/or maintenance of an alternative family.
Identify and describe the right to free speech as it relates to gender and sexuality.