Contrary to what some may believe, the protection of free speech by
the First Amendment is not absolute.  Government attempts to punish
or restrict certain kinds of speech all the time, and sometimes when
those restrictions are challenged in court, the court approves of the
restrictions.  After taking this course, you’ll understand why this
happens in a country that supposedly guarantees free speech.

We’ll start the course by reading some of the philosophers that first
spoke about the benefits of free speech, and then we’ll look at some
of the contemporary criticisms of the concept.  Next, we’ll study
most of the exceptions to free speech in the United States, including
speech that creates a clear and present danger of lawless action,
obscene speech, and speech that violates another person’s privacy.
Throughout the course you’ll practice your analytical abilities and
critical thinking skills by applying what you’ve learned about free
speech to new situations.  For example, based on what you learn about
restricting speech on a radio station, how would the government react
to the same speech on the internet?

Class instruction includes lecture, guest speakers, pertinent
videotapes, and discussion.  During the class, you’ll write several
in-class “pop” essays plus two research papers on a free-speech topic
of interest to you.  You’ll also do at least one oral exercise such
as a debate or a moot court argument.  The course concludes with a
comprehensive final examination.

After taking this course, you’ll understand the boundaries of free
speech in the United States.  More importantly, you’ll be able to
critically assess government attempts to restrict free speech in the
future.