S. Current Issues in Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

This course will provide a forum for discussing current issues in civil liberties and civil rights that are engaging courts and/or policymakers at a time of particular social and political turmoil. The final syllabus will be shaped by the controversies of the moment in an effort to make the course as topical as possible. Among the general subjects to be covered are freedom of speech on campus and more generally, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and voting rights. Until the syllabus is finalized, however, this list is merely intended to be illustrative. Instead of a casebook, each week's reading will consist of relevant judicial, legislative, and executive materials, as well as selected secondary sources when appropriate.

A 20 page paper is required. Major writing credit is available with approval. The final grade will be based on the paper (2/3) and class participation (1/3).