Good Pre-Law Classes Forum

[JimCarrey728]

I am trying to select classes for the next year. What classes help you in law school? I took some Political Science, English, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Music, Native American Studies, American History 1 and 2.

Im thinking of taking an Ethics class, which is in the Philosophy Dept. And a Seminar in European History.

What else are good recommendations?

[cardnal124]

If you haven't taken the LSAT, take a logic class.

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Ethics is a worthless class to take.

Try Philosophy, Economics, Statistics (non-calc based unless you are up for a challenge)

[PlugInBaby]

If you haven't taken the LSAT, take a logic class.

+1 Also consider constitutional law courses if offered.

[romothesavior]

Ethics is a worthless class to take.

Try Philosophy, Economics, Statistics (non-calc based unless you are up for a challenge)

Ethics is a branch of philosophy. And I fully support you taking any philosophy course, if for no other reason than they rock. And like another poster said, take a logic class if you haven't already taken the LSAT.

[Quine]

Ethics is a worthless class to take.

If you understood the study of ethics, you'd know it isn't worthless.

[Ipsa Dixit]

Like others, I think Logic is a good choice. I think Ethics is an okay choice.

I doubt a seminar in European history will do much for you unless it's about estates in feudal England.

I'd suggest taking a class in public speaking.

[r6_philly]

Our Intro to Ethics class is actually half about logic/arguments and half about ethical theories, so that could be helpful.

Con law is helpful to introduce you to the idea of interpreting law and reading cases. Some political science classes are also helpful if they are in the judicial area.

Discrete math or anything to do with integer logic will help with logic and logic games. It quantifies logic into numbers.

[AllBusiness]

Having been a philosophy major with about twenty or so philosophy/political theory/philosophy of religion (offered through the Religious Studies department) classes to my name, I would also recommend taking philosophy classes. In my opinion, I don't think a survey-style ethics course would be the best use of your time. Take something a bit more specialized and rigorous, e.g., philosophy of mathematics, philosophy of language, a "Topics in [blank] Philosophy/Philosophy of [blank]" course, or a graduate-level philosophy course if you can swing it. Anything with an emphasis on detailed exegetical analyses of primary texts should allow you to hone your critical skills in ways that will actually be of help to you in attacking the LSAT and numerous other problems in school/life/dreams.

Definitely take logic, but try to do so just before the semester in which you'll take the LSAT. What you'll learn there will be helpful, but you don't want to forget it (and in reality, you won't use logic in any other class except for a higher-level logic course).

[ppa840]

Symbolic logic or any phil class that deals with logical reasoning

[LoyolaLaw2012]

Philosophy and Logic are definitely beneficial. Also, take a literature class. Although it doesn't seem obvious, literature is helpful for both law school and the LSAT. You will learn how to read dry, out-dated books, and how to analyze the author's purpose.

[Balthy]

Having been a philosophy major with about twenty or so philosophy/political theory/philosophy of religion (offered through the Religious Studies department) classes to my name, I would also recommend taking philosophy classes. In my opinion, I don't think a survey-style ethics course would be the best use of your time. Take something a bit more specialized and rigorous, e.g., philosophy of mathematics, philosophy of language, a "Topics in [blank] Philosophy/Philosophy of [blank]" course, or a graduate-level philosophy course if you can swing it. Anything with an emphasis on detailed exegetical analyses of primary texts should allow you to hone your critical skills in ways that will actually be of help to you in attacking the LSAT and numerous other problems in school/life/dreams.

Definitely take logic, but try to do so just before the semester in which you'll take the LSAT. What you'll learn there will be helpful, but you don't want to forget it (and in reality, you won't use logic in any other class except for a higher-level logic course).

I completely agree with you about taking a more specialized philosophy course. The only thing i would add is, try taking something which involves a lot of contemporary works rather than ancient, medieval, or early-modern stuff; reading Plato won't help you as much as reading Russell or Parfit, i think.

[motiontodismiss]

If you haven't taken the LSAT, take a logic class.

I think logic is pretty worthless. I'm taking logic now and I'm not sure how much it's going to help with the LSAT. I was a bit disappointed.

[kinglew]

If you haven't taken the LSAT, take a logic class.

I think logic is pretty worthless. I'm taking logic now and I'm not sure how much it's going to help with the LSAT. I was a bit disappointed.

really? I was thinking about taking a logic class for the LSAT, how wasn't it helpful?

[motiontodismiss]

If you haven't taken the LSAT, take a logic class.

I think logic is pretty worthless. I'm taking logic now and I'm not sure how much it's going to help with the LSAT. I was a bit disappointed.

really? I was thinking about taking a logic class for the LSAT, how wasn't it helpful?

It just doesn't seem all that helpful. You cover sentential and predicate logic but the LR section on the LSAT doesn't require that deep an understanding of logic. You're probably better off doing logic games all day. Maybe it's because I haven't finished the course, who knows.

The professor for my class did say on the first day of class that his class is worthless in terms of preparing for the LSAT.

[TigerWoods85]

take whatever classes you're good at because ultimately the GPA boost will be more important than any combination of classes

[Kiersten1985]

take whatever classes you're good at because ultimately the GPA boost will be more important than any combination of classes

+1

There are no courses in UG that will substantively prepare you at all for the courses you'll take in law school. Just get a good GPA.

[revolution724]

Philosophy and Logic are definitely beneficial. Also, take a literature class. Although it doesn't seem obvious, literature is helpful for both law school and the LSAT. You will learn how to read dry, out-dated books, and how to analyze the author's purpose.

I was an English major in undergrad, and find it useful in law school classes. Much of the analysis and interpretation of the language used in novels and poetry translates to analyzing and interpreting the language used in statutes and case decisions.