Race, Gender, Liberty & the United States Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the ultimate legal interpreter of the US Constitution and one of the most visible and most controversial organs of the Federal Government. This course introduces students to the role that the nation's highest Court has historically played in questions of racial and gender equality, as well as liberty more broadly speaking. Through these three prisms, this course examines the political, legal, and cultural history of the United States. Effective Spring 2026, this course fulfills a single requirement in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry II, Research and Information Literacy. Effective Fall 2026, this course fulfills a single requirement in each of the following BU Hub areas: Critical Thinking, Ethical Reasoning, Research and Information Literacy.