Foundations of American Civic Life

This course explores fundamental questions about civic life and the nature of leadership in America. It focuses on the political thought and statesmanship of American politicians, writers, and prominent citizens from the Founding up to the twenty-first century, with special emphasis on three critical "moments": 1) the Founding, 2) the Crisis of the House Divided (slavery and the Civil War) and 3) the Civil Rights Movement and the rise of contemporary progressive and conservative visions of America. Previously offered as SCLL 100. Honors version available.