SSI1 144 | Constitutional Controversies

This course focuses on the U.S. Constitution in order to introduce students to frameworks for analyzing both policy and interpretive arguments on issues such as bicameralism, presidential veto, equal protection, and racial preferences. In the SSI1 version, students develop their analytical skills using texts provided by the instructor. In the SSI2 version, students research an ongoing legal controversy and prepare arguments on it. Students also gather materials concerning an amendment debate and analyze them. Students examine and assess arguments from authority, with particular attention to what makes for credible authority in a particular area. Through a series of short writing assignments, students prepare to undertake the major writing assignment emphasizing the various analytical perspectives. Affiliate department: Communication Studies.