Trinity One’s Ethics, Society and Law (ES&L) stream introduces first year students to some of the most urgent issues of our time. The goal of the stream is to encourage students to explore the moral and ethical assumptions that inform our social, legal, and political institutions.
This stream employs an interdisciplinary approach: students will be asked to examine texts across the social sciences and humanities, including legal and political philosophy, social and economic theory, case law, and even short stories, newspaper articles, and blog posts. Students are able to develop diverse perspectives that enable them to navigate the theoretical complexities of social issues while also thinking generatively about how these issues may be resolved.
By familiarizing students with many foundational texts, this stream provides an excellent basis for further study in a wide range of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences.
Students in the ES&L stream must enrol in two Trinity One seminars in their first year: TRN171Y1 Ethics and the Public Sphere and TRN172Y1: Ethics and the Law. Each of these courses amounts to 1.0 FCE and will continue throughout the fall and winter semesters. These credits will account for 2.0 credits of the typical 5.0 credit load in first year.
Students who complete the Ethics, Society and Law stream are well-equipped to pursue further studies in a vast array of academic disciplines. Students may apply concepts and analytical tools learned in the ES&L stream to studies in the sciences, social sciences or humanities.
Students may decide to continue their studies in this particular field with the University of Toronto’s Ethics, Society and Law program, hosted by Trinity College. Note that completion of TRN171 and TRN172 can count towards admissions requirements to the ES&L program, as well as credits within the program itself once you have been accepted.
Students interested in continuing to think practically and theoretically about ethical questions often choose to study Philosophy, Political Science, or the Munk School’s program in Peace, Conflict and Justice.
Students interested in applying questions of theory to matters of public concern often continue their studies in Public Policy at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, which offers both an undergraduate major in Public Policy and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree.
Your stream mentors will support you throughout the academic year by hosting workshops and activities to assist you with course assessments and to facilitate community building. They will be your first point of contact should you have any academic concerns or questions about student life! Meet your stream mentors below!
Program(s) of Study: Ethics, Society & Law (Major), Criminology and Sociolegal Studies (Major) Bio: Garyn (she/her) is a second-year student who had a fantastic experience in the Ethics, Society & Law stream. She really enjoyed the seminar-style classes as it allowed her to get to know her professors, classmates, and course material really well. The program helped Garyn develop her critical thinking skills, writing, and confidence in the classroom. She is looking forward to furthering her studies in Ethics, Society & Law, as well as Criminology and Sociolegal Studies. She hopes to eventually become a human rights and constitutional lawyer. Garyn welcomes you all to UofT and Trinity One, and is very excited to meet you this year! Feel free to reach out to chat about anything, academic-related or not! Outside of class, you can find Garyn volunteering with the Trinity College Volunteer Society, working as social media coordinator of Trinity Against Sexual Assault and Harassment Club and Amnesty International UofT, playing intramural soccer and hockey, and working out at Goldring. She also enjoys playing piano, thrifting, listening to Childish Gambino and funk & soul, watching crime documentaries, Stranger Things and Heart Stopper, and exploring new restaurants. |
Program(s) of Study: Ethics, Society and Law (Major), Drama (Major), English (Minor) Bio: Jessica recalls her time in TrinOne as a highlight in her first year. Through courses in the ES&L stream, Jessica witnessed significant improvement in her writing, speaking, notetaking, and critical thinking skills. Moreover, she is grateful to have formed meaningful bonds with her peers and professors, and she believes this to be the best part of being in the TrinOne program. Aside from ES&L, Jessica is active in the performing arts community. Her involvements include participation in UofT campus theatre, studying Drama, and teaching at a dance school. Jessica hopes to pursue a career in education, focusing on providing a diverse curriculum and promoting inclusivity in the classroom. She would be happy to answer questions about school and academics, introduce you to different opportunities in the arts, or listen to you talk about anything you wish. |
Hear from graduates of the Trinity One program – Ethics, Society & Law stream!