LS 101Introduction to Legal Studies
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Arts
- Subject
- Legal Studies
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 7 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 5 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
An introduction to the study of law, its structure, and legal institutions from a cross-cultural and historical perspective. This interdisciplinary course examines the origins of legal systems and their impact on society. Included is an analysis of the diverse historical, political, economic, and cultural conditions under which law arises and functions within society.
Prerequisites
None listed.
Antirequisites
None listed.
Leads to
Fall 2026 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 3242 | 137 / 200 | MW 14:30–15:50 |
| LEC 002 | 3380 | 136 / 200 | TTh 13:00–14:20 |
| LEC 081 | 3605 | 133 / 200 | Online or by arrangement |
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 3375 | 0 / 200 | MW 10:00–11:20 |
| LEC 002 | 7549 | 0 / 200 | MW 14:30–15:50 |
| LEC 081 | 3543 | 0 / 200 | Online or by arrangement |
| LEC 701 | 1318 | 42 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
| LEC 702 | 1319 | 32 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
Reviewed on UW Flow
62% liked it65% easy71% useful
From 234 ratings and 57 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
Easy course. many people didn't do the readings that were assigned but they were enjoyable to read for me personally. the class was pretty straightforward. you are given content and you need to know it. the lectures were kind of busy since my prof didn't upload slides on learn and so if you missed it in class, the only way you would be able to get the notes is going to office hours or from a friend. weekly critical response papers that were worth 1% each. 2 midterms, 1 final.
Mar 2018 · liked it · 2 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Took it online, and seemingly unpopular opinion, but I loved it. Interesting, easy to follow regarding content lay-out, and a pretty accurate overview of what to expect if you're considering pursuing legal studies courses any further.
Nov 2016 · liked it · 2 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Took the online version of this course 1 week into the term, when there were very few other choices were available. Two marking schemes, 1 with a 40% midterm essay and a 60% shorter final exam, and a 100% longer final exam-only option. Interesting material mostly, some common knowledge, some practical knowledge points (e.g. usual ingredients for a successful tort lawsuit), not hard to understand as long as you stick to the book and the lecture notes posted online (they are essentially boiled-down, easier-to-understand versions of the various laws that get introduced in the course). Final exam was all about memorization, but quite general in nature. Also, the final exam is writer-friendly in…
Sep 2014 · liked it · 2 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
I took the online version of this course. There is no feedback given on assignments, I got low marks on the written pieces with no explanation of why. This meant going into the final written take home exam I had no direction of what was good or not.
This course would benefit from feedback on written pieces or examples of what a good piece would look like.Dec 2025 · didn’t like it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
very interesting class, looks at good cases, explains the lecture good
Dec 2025 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
210 posts and comments in 166 threads mention LS 101, October 2011 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Winter 2024
Anyone want to join my class action? 1 point, 105 comments
u/sneopack: “wtf dude. 1. the charter is for the government, not private orgs 2. this is a swimming class for adults 1 hour a week, and doesn't even stop the open swim at the same time”
u/Sad_Persimmon1221: “… I encourage you to take LS 101. …”
u/Sad_Persimmon1221: “… As such, I recommend LS 101. once you have learned, we will continue to discuss. …”
u/hoestand: “Homie took LS 101 and thinks he's a lawyer 💀”
Fall 2023
Possible petition ? 1 point, 5 comments
“SO I took a 100 level class as a bird but it ended screwing up my term, I requested that my prof remove a few missed discussion posts or quizzes in order to bump my grade up to a pas I’m already on a …”
u/suiyui: “I mean, is there a reason why you couldn't submit the discussion posts and quizzes? And it seems you must've missed quite a few if you're currently failing the course Based on what I'm reading, you …”
u/light_resolution: “Yeah this happened to me with LS 101, honestly I've found my higher level profs have more sympathy and are more willing to give me accommodations than a lot of my 100 level profs. I didn't end up doing p70 because I was being a little bitch!! …”
Environment, Resources and Sustainability- Info for Incoming Students 16 points, 1 comment
u/Extra-Ad-7289: “… Policy: PSCI 100/150, SDS 131R, LS 101, GEOG 101, FR courses (if you want to work in policy, French is a huge asset) Science: GEOG 102, BIOL 150, BIOL 165, EARTH 121 Technical Solutions: ENBUS 102, GEOG 181 Environmental Thought: Any first year PHIL, PACS, SOC or ANTH course …”
Spring 2023
Help me pick 3 Bird Courses 4 points, 9 comments
u/Spiritual-Dirt2538: “… is much appreciated: BET210 GEOG219 CLAS104 PHIL145 PSYCH101 SDSR131 STV100 GEOG207 LS101 \\Also please mention when you took the course since course structures tend to change often”
Easiest upper year kin courses 3 points, 11 comments
“Was looking for the most low effort upper year kin courses to meet the requirements in which high course marks are achievable. Thanks”
u/Fabulous_Turnip_1911: “LS101”
BIRD COURSES !!! 18 points, 26 comments
“No surprise, Spring 2023 courses suck. Please drop below chill courses that are offered this term (can be random, trying to find a final elective).”
u/prod1gle: “BET100, ECON 101,LS101”
Winter 2023
Math 2B course load 1 point, 4 comments
“Hi, I just wanted to know what courses do people usually take in 2B for math? Also, is it fine if I take math239 in 3A?”
u/ImperviousHamster: “… (Took LS 101 during co-op before) It's totally fine to take MATH 239 in 3rd year, just make sure that you're still on course to complete your degree requirements on time (if you know what major you want to do)”
Spring 2022
Bird Courses for Spring 2022 10 points, 10 comments
“Looking for bird courses, preferably fully online. Drop recommends below!!”
u/Frozen5147: “… - LS 101 (Intro to Legal Studies) - it's a really basic introduction to law (mainly in Canada). It's kinda dry and boring, but it's piss easy to get 80s IMO. Had no exams when I took it. Offered online. …”
u/udoubleblue: “LS 101 was sure as hell not a bird course when I went through it, it was one of the hardest courses of my degree. My prof was a lawyer.”
LS 101 textbook 0 points, 1 comment
Winter 2022
What's the craziest thing you've ever seen on the laptop screen of a person sitting in front of you during lecture? 18 points, 16 comments
“Just curious.”
u/NegotiationAncient77: “Anime tits. Honorable mention to the chick playing undertale in LS101.”
Easiest, most interesting, or most fun LS (Legal Studies) courses? 2 points, 6 comments
“Drop your recommendations : ) (Please)”
u/Xierumeng: “LS 101 was fine.”
u/howmanyfathoms: “this depends on the prof! I liked LS 101 online w Fred Desroches. very straightforward”
Winter 2021
Waterloo student lost $100K in extortion scam, wants you to avoid the same fate 73 points, 89 comments
u/ghfsigiwaa: “pretty sad he fell for it in the first place lmao”
u/UWhiteBelt: “Yo this be random but I never got to thank you for the one time I used your LS 101 notes. Thanks dude. Hope life is treating you well in Ottawa (i think that's where you are?).”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
- Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
- Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
- Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
- Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
- Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
- UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
- WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them