Freedom of Speech & Religion
In the United States, the first amendment guarantees that freedoms of speech, expression and religion are fundamental rights. This course begins by reviewing historical and contemporary notions of speech and expression in the United States. Examples include the right to vote, the freedom of the press, and the right of the people to gather in front of government for a redress of grievances. This analysis will naturally progress into a discussion of the limitations government and courts have placed on the first amendment. The latter portion of the course will explore the freedom of religion through the establishment clause of the first amendment. Students will learn the distinction between the Constitutional freedom to practice religion without government intrusion, and the prohibition against government sponsored national religion.
Pacific Seminar 1 topics such as citizenship, social psychology and interpersonal relationships will be reviewed in light of the course topic. Students will be evaluated on written reflection and class discussion/debate.
Students will also receive materials, prepared especially for them by their instructor, bringing to life examples of the issues encountered in class. These materials will include brief and understandable synopses of actual Supreme Court cases clarifying American legal standards on first amendment issues such as the right to privacy (marriage, abortion), unprotected and controversial forms of speech, and religion in public forums. The course concludes with a comparative review of the freedom of speech, expression, and religion from around the world. Comparing American rights with the rights of those around the world will challenge students to consider whether the rights we consider fundamental must also be considered fundamental human rights.
