This course examines the evolution of constitutionally protected rights in the history of the United States, as well as the social, political, and economic forces that have helped shape the creation and dissemination of those rights, and the extent to which those rights have advanced the cause of freedom in America. The course materials focus on the creation of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and constitutional amendments. Attention is paid to the historical periods in which these amendments came to fruition and how the amendments and the Supreme Court decisions that followed have helped shape American freedom. The course concludes with an assessment of the relevance of the Constitution in the 21st century.
Prerequisites
College Writing (LITC-100).