GOVT379 - The Politics and Theory of the First Amendment: The Religion Clauses

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Academic Year 2002/2003

The Politics and Theory of the First Amendment: The Religion Clauses
GOVT 379 FA

Clusters:

Christian Studies

This course will examine the historical origins, philosophical foundations, and case law of the religion clauses of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Among the issues we will consider shall be what types of expression and religious belief the Amendment protects and what it does not protect. In each of these areas, and in the other areas we will cover, our purpose will be to explore the fundamental issues in democratic and constitutional theory that these subjects raise.

MAJOR READINGS

Our readings will concentrate on the case law of the First Amendment and a large selection of important scholarly works.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

There will be no examinations in this course. Students will be expected to prepare a series of short papers for in-class discussion and a longer research paper on a subject approved by the Professor.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This is an advanced seminar. Students will be required to have completed either GOVT 203 or 250.

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

The instructor of this course will not be using the on-line wait list. If you are interested in this course, please contact the instructor directly.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS GOVT Grading Mode: Graded

Prerequisites: GOVT203 OR GOVT250

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Finn,John E.

Times: ..T.... 01:10PM-04:00PM; Location: PAC422

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 15)

SR. major: 8 Jr. major: 7

SR. non-major: X Jr. non-major: X SO: X FR: X

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal: Ethical Reasoning, Writing

Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-18-2003