What is civil discourse? And does the American political order require civil discourse properly to function? This course takes up these questions. In the process, it explores the historical and philosophical roots of equality, toleration and free speech, requisites of civil discourse. Students will also consider the role of free speech and civil discourse, not only in the context of American civic life but within the context of American university life. To do this, students will survey the basic principles of American democracy and how they are applied in our republican form of government, including by developing an understanding of the U.S. Constitution; by developing a knowledge of the nation’s founding documents and how they have shaped the nature and functions of our institutions of self-governance; and by developing an understanding of landmark Supreme Court cases and their impact on law and society, particularly as they relate to freedom of expression. Finally, students will apply the lessons they have learned to particular case studies. The course aims to enable students to engage in civil debates with multiple points of view and to master the ability to synthesize information that informs civic decision-making.
