This course continues the exploration of the United States Supreme Court and its role in deciding fundamental social questions. After an introductory class on the Court, we will focus on landmark cases involving race in education, abortion, Second Amendment, and election law. Readings will include edited versions of the Court’s opinions. The final class will preview the Court’s 2023-2024 term. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the Court’s power, function, and role as part of the larger government and appreciate whether and when we should accede to the Court’s interpretation of the Constitution.
Ted and Shirley Taubeneck Superior Teaching Award
— 2023 Award-Winning Course —
The teaching excellence displayed in this course earned this professor the highest honor that the Humanities Seminars Program has to bestow: the Ted and Shirley Taubeneck Superior Teaching Award. This award is given annually by the Humanities Seminars Program. It is based entirely on student evaluations and seeks to honor the pedagogical skill, depth of expertise, and commitment to students demonstrated by the most outstanding faculty who teach for the Humanities Seminars Program.
We are delighted to re-release this award-winning course during the Summer 2025 season.
- This course is offered as a recording. No live class sessions or meetings are scheduled with the professor or fellow students.
- Access – enrolled students have complete online access to course materials via the HSP Learning Portal from the day of their registration until August 31, 2025. On September 1, 2025, the class video recordings will be removed; however, students will retain access to all other course materials online.
- Price – has been reduced from our regular course tuition rates. Enrollment provides access to all course materials, including the original syllabus, reading materials, and video recordings of all class sessions for a limited time.