Part of a sequence of courses dealing with the theory and
practice of American constitutional law. Focus on the
relationship between liberty and authority, civil rights, and
liberties over time with a particular emphasis on First
Amendment and Equal Protection issues.
Athena Title
Const Law Rights Liberties Hon
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in POLS 4710, POLS 4710E
Prerequisite
(POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S) and permission of Honors
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will understand the original purpose of the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights and its philosophical bases.
Students will be able to analyze the problems of defining such constitutional terms as “free speech,” “establishment of religion,” “cruel and unusual punishment,” “due process,” and “equal protection,” including the use of actual and hypothetical cases.
Students will have traced the development of constitutional doctrine in each of these areas.
Students will develop an understanding of the political factors that shape societal understandings of civil liberties.
Students will be able to explain and critique the role of the U.S. Supreme Court in enforcing civil rights and civil liberties.
Topical Outline
1. Constitutional Structure
2. Methods of Constitutional Interpretation
3. Incorporation
4. Freedom of Speech, Assembly, and Association
5. Freedom of Press
6. Freedom of Religion (Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause)
