Civil Liberties from edX

_“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, thattheyare endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that amongtheseare Life, Liberty andthePursuit of Happiness.”

_ These stirring words from the Declaration of Independence are at the very foundation of the American tradition of civil liberties. In this course, we explore this tradition from its beginning with the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers, through a number of notable historical and contemporary cases in which claims to rights and liberties have been at stake.

We will examine issues of slavery, segregation, abortion, campaign finance, free speech, religion, affirmative action, and marriage. Our discussion will be guided by thinkers like John Locke, John Stuart Mill, Friedrich Hayek, and Martin Luther King Jr., as well as important Supreme Court opinions, such as the majority and dissenting opinions in Dred Scott v. Sandford (on slavery), Brown v. Board of Education (on segregation), Roe v. Wade (on abortion), Citizens United v. FEC (on campaign finance and free speech), and Obergefell v. Hodges (on marriage).

We do not seek unanimity of opinion, but rather a deepening of understanding. Whatever your views happen to be—liberal, conservative, whatever—they will be sympathetically explored but also challenged. The goal of the course is not to persuade you to think as anyone else does; rather, it is to encourage and empower you to think about disputed questions of civil rights and liberties more deeply, more critically, and for yourself.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The historical foundations of civil rights and liberties in the united states
How influential philosophers have thought about important civil rights issues
The arguments presented in groundbreaking supreme court opinions

How to critically analyze controversial claims to civil rights and liberties
An understanding and respect for those who have differing opinions

The historical foundations of civil rights and liberties in the united states
How influential philosophers have thought about important civil rights issues
The arguments presented in groundbreaking supreme court opinions
How to critically analyze controversial claims to civil rights and liberties
An understanding and respect for those who have differing opinions

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Delves into seminal cases in history, providing concrete examples of how civil rights have been argued and decided

Examines the work of influential philosophers, such as Locke, Mill, and Hayek, who have shaped our understanding of civil rights

Covers a wide range of topics, including slavery, segregation, abortion, and marriage, providing a comprehensive overview of civil rights issues

Features prominent Supreme Court opinions, such as Dred Scott v. Sandford, Brown v. Board of Education, and Roe v. Wade, offering direct insight into the legal framework of civil rights

Facilitates critical thinking by encouraging learners to analyze controversial claims and develop their own informed opinions

Promotes respect for diverse perspectives, emphasizing the importance of understanding and engaging with differing viewpoints

Reviews summary

Informative course on civil liberties

Learners say that this course is an outstanding and informative course on civil liberties that is well-set up. Students appreciate the engaging lectures and the challenging yet helpful readings. Overall, students say that this course is a great opportunity to learn about civil liberties.

Assigned readings are challenging but informative.

"The assigned readings are challenging but very informative and help students develop ability to decipher judicial opinions."

Structured with readings, lectures, discussions, and quizzes.

"The structure: assigned readings, terms & concepts, classroom lectures, group discussion and quizzes are well set up."

Lectures are brilliant and riveting.

"Professor George's lectures are brilliant and riveting."

A great opportunity to understand civil liberties.

"I think this course is a great opportunity to understand the broad subject of civil liberties."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Civil Liberties with these activities:

Review Historical Documents

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Understand the historical context of civil rights and liberties in the United States by reviewing key historical documents.

Browse courses on American Revolution

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Read the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers.
Analyze the text for key arguments and principles related to civil rights and liberties.
Discuss the historical significance of these documents.

Locke's Second Treatise on Civil Government

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Explore the philosophical foundations of civil rights and liberties by reviewing John Locke's influential work.

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Read the relevant sections of Locke's Second Treatise on Civil Government.
Identify Locke's main arguments and principles related to civil rights and liberties.
Consider the implications of Locke's ideas for the American tradition of civil liberties.

Participate in Discussion Forums

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Engage with classmates and deepen understanding through active discussion on course topics.

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Join the online discussion forums.
Post thoughtful questions and comments.
Engage in respectful and open-minded discussions with peers.

Four other activities

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Supreme Court Case Analysis

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Develop critical thinking and analytical skills by examining and discussing notable Supreme Court cases.

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Select a landmark Supreme Court case related to civil rights and liberties.
Research the case using reliable sources.
Analyze the majority and dissenting opinions, identifying key arguments and legal principles.
Present your analysis to the class or in a written summary.

Volunteer for a Civil Rights Organization

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the community by volunteering for a civil rights organization.

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Identify a civil rights organization that aligns with your interests.
Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend training and orientation sessions.
Participate in volunteer activities, such as advocacy, education, or community outreach.

Write an Essay on a Civil Rights Issue

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Apply course concepts and demonstrate critical thinking by crafting an original essay on a contemporary civil rights issue.

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Choose a contemporary civil rights issue that interests you.
Research the issue thoroughly.
Develop a compelling thesis statement.
Write a well-structured essay that supports your thesis.
Edit and revise your essay for clarity and accuracy.

Participate in a Debate or Moot Court

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Challenge yourself and showcase your skills in a competitive environment related to course topics.

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Identify a moot court or debate competition that aligns with your interests.
Prepare thoroughly by researching the topic and developing strong arguments.
Practice your presentation and delivery.
Participate in the competition and present your case.
Reflect on your performance and areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete Civil Liberties will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Attorney

Attorneys, also called lawyers, advise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private matters. Studying this course would aid you in your work by providing a comprehensive grounding in civil rights and liberties. This will help you make persuasive arguments on behalf of your clients and stay on top of new developments in the law.

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Civil Rights Investigator

Civil rights investigators conduct investigations and prepare reports on allegations of discrimination. Attorneys need a deep understanding of civil rights and liberties, and this course will teach you about landmark court cases and how to analyze legal issues.

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Compliance Officer

Compliance officers ensure that organizations follow laws, regulations, and ethical standards. Understanding the principles of civil rights and liberties — as this course teaches — is imperative to the development of effective compliance programs.

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Elected Official

Elected officials make decisions that affect the lives of their constituents. They need to be well-versed in civil rights issues in order to make informed decisions that protect the rights of all citizens.

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Journalist

Journalists inform the public about important issues. They need to be able to understand and analyze complex legal issues in order to report accurately on civil rights cases.

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Lobbyist

Lobbyists advocate for the interests of their clients before government officials. They need to be able to persuade policymakers and the public, and a strong understanding of civil rights and liberties is essential for effective lobbying.

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Paralegal

Paralegals assist attorneys with legal research and other tasks. They need to have a strong understanding of civil rights and liberties in order to provide effective support to their attorneys.

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Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They need to be able to understand and evaluate the impact of civil rights and liberties laws on public policy.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research in civil rights and liberties. They need to be experts in the field and be able to communicate complex legal issues to students.

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Social Worker

Social workers help people in need. They need to be able to understand and advocate for the rights of their clients.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students about civil rights and liberties. They need to be able to create lesson plans and teach in a way that is engaging and informative.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human societies and cultures. They may specialize in studying civil rights and liberties, and how they are impacted by different factors.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They may specialize in studying the economics of civil rights and liberties, and how they are affected by different economic policies.

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Historian

Historians study the past. They may specialize in studying the history of civil rights and liberties, and how they have evolved over time.

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Philosopher

Philosophers study the fundamental nature of reality and existence. They may specialize in studying the philosophy of civil rights and liberties, and how they are justified.

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