Schulich School of Law

LAWS 1017 & 1027 ‑ African Nova Scotian Legal History, Issues, and Critical Race Theory

LAWS 1017 & LAWS 1027

CREDIT HOURS: 2 (1 per term)

Course Description:

his course introduces African Nova Scotian legal history and its shaping of contemporary African Nova Scotian legal issues; and critical race theory, which provides a lens through which to analyze race as a social construct that has infused the foundations and ongoing application of Canadian law. Key course objectives are:

  1. to enhance critical thinking;
  2. to understand the law’s role in constituting African Nova Scotians as a distinct people;
  3. to understand the central legal issues impacting African Nova Scotians, and by extension people of African descent;
  4. to understand critical race theory and its basic tenets, including the role that law and legal education play in creating and reinscribing anti-Black racism;
  5. to raise awareness about the law’s role in establishing and perpetuating of other forms of racism in Canada; and
  6. to develop cultural competency skills within the context of professional obligations.

Prerequisite(s): None
Co-requisite(s): None

Note: Students taking this course must register in and complete LAWS 1017 & LAWS 1027 in consecutive terms; credit will not be granted if courses are not completed consecutively.

Assessment Method: ANS/CRT I will be evaluated on the basis of a two-page reflection paper that demonstrates a knowledgeable and thoughtful engagement with the component parts of the course. The assessment for ANS/CRT II will be an in-class group presentation. Both assignments will be graded on a pass/fail/honours scheme, and both must be passed.

Restrictions: This course is restricted to JD students or JD Combined Degree students.