In this course we will investigate the troubled boundary
between the value of individual liberties and the requirements of
national security in post 9/11 America. Do we have individual rights
that are so basic that they must be maintained even at the risk of
making our country less secure? Or is national security itself a
fundamental “right” that can restrict the full expression of
particular, individual liberties? And if so, which particular
liberties are we talking about, and who is to decide on their
restrictions?

	We will ground our exploration of these and related
questions in the relevant historical and constitutional record and
in on-going political debates. I should note explicitly that my aim
is not to commend a specific position or course of action for you to
take. This course is designed to help you develop your own
coherently expressed positions on these important issues.

	There are three specific assignments. The first is to come
to class prepared to discuss the reading and associated issues. The
second is to take two in-class short answer examinations. The second
examination covers the material since the first examination; there
is no “final examination” as such. The third assignment is to write
a series of short (2-3 page) papers on issues arising from our
readings and discussions. I would be pleased to discuss details of
this course with anyone who might be interested in taking it.