Constitutional Law

2005

The History department consists of active historians, students and teachers, who believe that knowledge of the past is necessary to comprehend the present and to forge the future thoughtfully and deliberately.  We foster the sheer enjoyment of the adventure of historical discovery and study, seeing ourselves in the present as interconnected with people of the past-our families, fellow citizens, and humanity around the globe.  In our work as historians, we develop the requisite skills to embrace purposefully life’s journey and challenges as we learn to understand ourselves and humanity.

General Course Description: This course focuses on the role the Constitution of the United States has played in defining our legal world. Through study of the Constitution itself and numerous Supreme Court cases the course strives to illustrate how the establishment of certain "inalienable" rights and changing times has created today's legal framework.

Course Objectives:    We live today within a legal system that affects the quality of our lives

in numerous ways. This system has long endured primarily because of its flexibility and extraordinary sensitivity to the values and standards that have guided the leaders and the citizens of this country. Yet, these enduring qualities are not always easily understood or appreciated primarily because they are subject to interpretation and to change. This course, therefore, strives to develop in students

·        an understanding of the Constitution of the United States as a document of fundamental law as well as an organic entity changing and adjusting to the complexities and peculiarities of the times.

·        an appreciation for the Constitution as an evolving document subject to review and interpretation.

·        an understanding of the various methods by which the Constitution has been interpreted.

·        A specific understanding of

-         the various components of the Constitution itself

-         checks and balances

-         judicial review

-         the Bill of Rights

-         the 13^th,14^th, 15^th Amendments

-         numerous cases that illustrate Constitutional principles

Methodology:   The course is primarily discussion oriented although on occasion this format

will be altered to allow for lectures, guest speakers and/or films. Given the relatively small size of the class, students will be expected to come to class prepared to engage in meaningful discussion about the reading and the issues being raised. To facilitate this process, each student is encouraged to keep a "response" journal in which comments/questions/observations about the reading are recorded on a daily basis and then incorporated into subsequent class discussions.

Evaluation:   Students will be evaluated on the quality of their participation in class

discussions, at least three assigned essays, periodic quizzes and tests, a mid-semester exam and a final exam/project.

Required Reading:    Constitutional Government: The American Experience by Curry, Riley and

       Battistoni

Suggested Reading:

   A good daily newspaper and a weekly periodical.