PS 322 - American Constitutional Law: Civil Rights

Semester Hours: 4

An examination of the role of the Supreme Court, judicial review, and political struggle in shaping the evolution of the Constitutional framework of American politics. This course focuses on judicial review and the role of the Supreme Court in articulating and defending the civil rights and liberties of American citizens, through the interpretation and application of the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment. Particular focus will be placed on the issues of freedom of speech and expression, the relationships between church and state, the right of privacy, and the constitutional guarantees of equal protection before the law.

Prerequisite: PS 102 or PS 103, or permission of instructor.