POL 308D - Civil Rights and Liberties, 3 credit hours

Notes: Recommended background: POL 101D or American history

We take our constitutional rights for granted, but the civil rights and liberties we enjoy today have not always been recognized by the Supreme Court. In this class, from multiple perspectives, we will explore the evolution of the Bill of Rights, focusing on the 1st and 14th amendments. For example, how has the application of the equal protection clause been applied to race, sex, and sexuality? What does freedom of speech mean in the digital age? Does a large wooden cross along a public road violate the establishment clause? And what about those Christmas trees your town puts up every December? This class is highly recommended for students interested in law school or work in the criminal justice system.

Semesters Offered: Offered in alternate years.