Mark Verbitsky

Course Description: 

This course will examine the development of American constitutional principles. We will begin with a theoretical focus, studying the foundational texts and debates regarding the form of government that can best secure liberty and equality. In the second part of the course, we will consider historical developments as Americans confronted particular constitutional challenges. Specifically, we will address slavery and its legacies (civil war, segregation, de-segregation), the Progressive movement, and America’s evolving conception of individuality (focusing on free speech).    

Grading: 

1. A midterm and final exam (consisting of short- and long-answer questions)

2. Periodic quizzes

3. An optional paper 

**Strict attendance policy**  

Texts: 

1. John Locke, Second Treatise of Government

2. Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America, vol 2.

3. Online Course Reader (featuring assigned speeches, essays, and Supreme Court cases)

The instructor for this course will be Mark Verbitsky.

Course Description: This course will examine the development of American constitutional principles. We will begin with a theoretical focus, studying the foundational texts and debates regarding the form of government that could best secure liberty and equality. In the second part of the course, we will consider historical developments as Americans confronted particular constitutional challenges. Specifically, we will address slavery and its legacy, post-civil war reconstruction, the progressive movement, and the civil rights movement.

Texts: 1. John Locke, Second Treatise of Government, 2. The Federalist Papers, 3. Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America, 4. Course Reader (featuring assigned speeches, essays, and Supreme Court cases).

Grading: A midterm and final exam (consisting of short and long answer questions), periodic quizzes, and an optional paper. Strict attendance policy.