POLI 343 - Seminar in Constitutional Theory

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

This seminar critically examines questions of constitutional theory and interpretation, as they relate to issues of civil liberties, civil rights, and powers of governmental institutions. The course discusses the background, concepts, and provisions of the Constitution, explores theories about how the Constitution can be interpreted, and analyzes how these interpretations are applied in practice. How do the Constitution’s provisions align with evolving norms and changes in society? How do its protections apply and extend to cases pertaining to discrimination based on factors such as class, age, race, ethnicity, sex, and gender? These concerns are addressed by focusing on various dimensions of constitutional theories, and court decisions. Some of the issues covered include standards of judicial review, the constitutional protection of groups as well as individuals, and a summary of decisions pertaining to questions addressing equal protection, anti-discrimination, privileges and immunities, and birthright citizenship, among others. Maxwell Fuerderer.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

One 2-hour period.

Course Format: CLS