A number of classes, both new and old, are entering the Campo curriculum with either a new name or a polished “AP” title that attracts ambitious students. However, one more class should be considered to join that list: Law and Society.
Taught by Mr. Petrocco this year, as well as Mr. Bostick in previous years, Law and Society is a social studies class that covers traditional legal models of American law through various methods of critical thinking, socratic debate, and mock trials. While it’s offered alongside other, popular classes such as AP European History and AP Art History, Law and Society teaches useful and practical lessons that can be applied not only to high school, but the larger global landscape.
Many students have been inspired due to the class’s practicality and wide utility. “I decided to take Law and Society because it’s a Social Studies class, and I was interested in dealing with modern issues and the criminal justice system,” said sophomore Colbie Freese. “Initially going in, I thought law might be something I’m interested in, so there was an exploratory motive for me as well.”
Sophomore Nicole Ruffolo, who was inspired to take the class thanks to her brother, was also captivated by the class content and notes how it offers much room for exploration in various interests. “You learn about different things that have happened, a lot of controversial topics, what first-degree murder is, what second-degree murder is…basically all sorts of knowledge about law that can be applied to real life.” Ruffalo was more motivated by the class’s general utility rather than pursuing the subject as a potential occupation. “Personally, I’m not someone who’s into law, but I feel like the class gives you good skills to have. Taking this class meant just getting my knowledge up about it and I definitely found it really fun.”
In addition, Law and Society provides its students with a platform for building upon debate skills by openly encouraging people to speak out. “I feel like we’ve learned about how to have meaningful class discussions and debate current issues in a respectful and constructive manner,” said Freese. Fellow sophomore Cassidy Woo, who also expressed a growing interest in a legal career, added that, “In class, you have to be present and active…We discuss all sorts of topics including current events.” Providing students with such a basis for constant class discussions will be extremely useful toward later life, no matter what career a student chooses to pursue.
Woo provided her thoughts about law and society becoming an AP saying, “If the class was an AP, it would definitely be challenging but it would be cool to get AP credits for a class like that.” Ruffolo echoed this sentiment, as she went on to add, “The class is all about opinions as well. A lot of the time we’re expressing our own opinions; you have to prove your own point.”
While there are some who question why Law and Society should be an AP class due to the current level of rigor that already exists in the Campo curriculum, others, including Freese, thought that the school should be able to have a course to help balance the amount of STEM AP’s in the system. “I think the curriculum would have to be expanded quite a bit to support the heft and the weight of an AP class. I would absolutely support the addition of another law class because I think Campolindo should absolutely have more than one.”
With the recent implementation of several more AP’s added to the Campo curriculum, Law and Society would be another excellent addition – not just because of the vigorously verbal atmosphere, but also because of the useful content that allows students to explore potential careers in the legal department. Not only are the teachers excellent in terms of providing memorable experiences in class to challenge students mentally, but the Campo curriculum has the potential to expand further with its aims of diversity, career or major consideration, and giving students the choice from more AP classes that they will ultimately enjoy.
“[Law and Society] is a really fun experience. You don’t have to be interested in law to learn about it, and Mr. Petrocco makes it very interesting,” said Freese. “Incoming freshmen should definitely join. And it would be very exciting if it were to become an AP class.”
