PLSC 215 - Civil Rights and Liberties in a Diverse US [GEUS]
We will survey how a wide variety of groups and individuals sought and currently seek legal protection and recognition through the Constitution, judicial interpretation, and legislation. Exposure to these struggles will allow the student to experience a wide range of perspectives and critique how the legal system and society has dealt with clashes between diverse elements of the U.S.
Credit 3 hrs May not be repeated for additional credit
Grade Mode Normal (A-F) Course Rotation Fall, Winter, and Summer
Prerequisites -
Restriction by Major -
Restriction by Class - Undergraduate standing
This course introduces students to issues of diversity in American society, workplace, schools, and community through an examination of the historical development of civil liberties and civil rights in the United States. As such, it fulfills the U.S. Diversity requirement of the General Education curriculum. The course explores how many different groups and individuals have used the guarantees of liberty and equal protection of the laws provided for in the U.S. Constitution and its amendments to challenge unjust laws, break down social intolerance, prejudice and stereotypes, advance their socioeconomic interests and participate more fully in the political and economic life of the nation. By reading and analyzing the decisions of the federal courts, particularly the Supreme Court, in key civil liberties and civil rights cases, students will acquire an understanding of the experiences of the various groups and cultures that have struggled, and continue to struggle, for freedom equality and justice in the United States. They will also explore the social and ideological causes of the intense conflicts over civil liberties and rights that have shaped American history as well as those which shape our politics today. As a result of the study of major legal cases, students will leave the course with an understanding of the cultural complexity of American society as well as a deeper sense of their own civic and cultural identity.
Keywords: Political Science , U.S. Diversity (GEUS)
Winter 2025 Course Sections
Fall 2024 Course Sections
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