This is a different course from Part 1, which we offered in the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 sessions, but it is a repeat of the Fall 2025 course. There were too many great books and movies about legal matters for one class so we decided to offer two different courses. Part 2 features some lighter and shorter selections and some surprising choices. Today there’s even more reason to explore all aspects of the law-and-order spectrum, as the notion that the US is a “nation of laws” is being challenged. One fact is not in dispute: legal issues make for some very compelling storytelling.
Over 10 weeks, we will alternate, reading a book one week, watching a film (at home) the next. We WON’T be comparing the print and film versions of the same works. We WILL be looking at related topics in the book-movie pairings. We anticipate lively discussions relating the works to contemporary legal events. Books will be readily available through the Minuteman Library system or as inexpensive used books from Amazon or other online used book retailers. Films will all be available as rental CDs, free on Kanopy, or at small rental fees from major streaming services or YouTube. The list of films will be sent to those who register for the class.
This will be a discussion-focused course, so we are especially welcoming those who want to gather in person and really talk about books and films.
Preparation time will be at least 2-3 hours per book, depending on the length of the book and your reading speed. Films are typically around 2 hours.