Course Overview

This course will provide students with a basic introduction to the American Constitution. Topics will include: the American Constitutional and governmental structures (Article I: Legislative Branch, Article II: Executive Branch, Article III: Judiciary), representative government, fundamental rights, federalism, criminal justice, and nondiscrimination. The Bill of Rights and key amendments (1st Amendment, 2nd Amendment, criminal procedure amendments, 14th Amendment) will also be discussed at an appropriate level of depth. Additional topics will include presidential elections and connections between economic law and the Constitution. Additionally, students will also be introduced to the American system of legal education and opportunities for graduate study of law in the United States. Students should be prepared to actively participate in in-class discussion, do numerous short writing assignments, and take the final exam. The teaching style of this course will: A) Be student-centered B) Comprehensive, and C) Consider why and how, not only what the law is. The professor will encourage students to think about challenging societal and legal problems, give their own ideas, and consider international perspectives.

Learning Achievement

Three main goals: 1) Understand the US Constitution and key cases in US domestic context. 2) Think independently about the universality of constitutional issues. 3) Do both of the above at a high level of reading, writing, listening, and speaking English fluency.

Competence

Course prerequisites

Prerequisite:
LAW1060 (A01 131A0)Constitution.

Proficient English, law major and some comparative law experience preferred but not required

Grading Philosophy

Course schedule

Course type

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

Charles Wharton

Other information

(College of Law) Graduate Institute of Law,
(College of Law) Department of Law
*Registration eligibility: juniors and above.

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