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The Politics and Theory of the First Amendment
GOVT379 SP

This course will examine the historical origins and philosophical foundations of the speech, press, and 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. Consequently, we will explore the nature and basis of censorship, of what constitutes expression, and what constitutes religion. At times, inquiries will move into subjects as varied as pornography, slander, hate speech, and commercial expression. 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. Primary sources: William van Alstyne, THE FIRST AMENDMENT, West, 1991 John H. Garvey & Frederick Schauer, THE FIRST AMENDMENT: A READER, West, 1992 Other materials to be announced.

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 Govt203 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.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: GOVT203 OR GOVT250

Last Updated on MAR-24-2000

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