First Amendment Seminar: Pluralism & Difference

3 units

Enrollment: 16. Drop deadline: 5:00 pm the day after the first class meeting. This seminar explores the theory and application of the First Amendment's protections most central to group formation and expression in a pluralistic society. It focuses on the rights of speech, assembly, and association, with some consideration of the free exercise of religion. Topics include the nature of pluralism and difference, the limits of dissent, associational and membership rights, public forums, public funding, boycotts, and hate speech. The course grade will be based on class participation and a final paper. The paper will require multiple drafts and should incorporate feedback from the instructor as well as peer review. 3 units