E104
3 credits
Students must also sign up for a discussion section.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides for
freedom of speech. Contrary to what many people believe, this First
Amendment protection is not absolute. In the first place, there are
many limitations on free speech including threats and fighting
words, obscenity, false and misleading advertising, and copyright
and plagiarism. Second, free speech often comes up against
countervailing interests, such as school discipline, the protection
of reputation, the right to a fair trial, and the free exercise of
religion.
In this course, students will learn about the history of
Constitutional concepts and will gain an understanding of the
workings of the American judicial system. In addition, students will
be expected to utilize their analytical abilities and critical
thinking by debating controversial issues of current concern, such
as attempts to ban hate speech and proposals to prohibit the burning
of the U.S. flag.