GOVT 182 CM - Liberty of Conscience

This course explores the historical and philosophical origins of the 1^st Amendment’s protection of speech and religion. It begins with arguments for liberty of conscience in Milton’s “Areopagitica” and Locke’s “A Letter Concerning Toleration,” tracing them through the American Founders and the framing of the 1^st Amendment, which embeds freedom of speech and religion in the Constitution. Alongside these thinkers, we will examine Supreme Court opinions that take up the meaning and reach of the 1^st Amendment, asking if liberty of conscience is truly the “first” liberty in our constitutional order.

Prerequisite: GOVT 020 CM

Offered: Every other year

Credit: 1

Course Number: GOVT182 CM