PSC 301—Cases in Civil Liberties

This course focuses on the opinions of the Supreme Court interpreting the two great clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment: the clauses that prohibit states from denying persons life, liberty, or property without due process of law and that compel states to provide the equal protection of the law. The due process and equal protection clauses have given rise to some of the most profound constitutional issues in all of our history. The due process cases touch upon subjects such as economic liberty, the right to privacy as it relates to abortion, sexual orientation, and the right to control the time and manner of one’s death. The equal protection cases deal with racial, gender, and age discrimination. Students will develop analytical thinking skills through evaluating concepts and literature in political science and constitutional law. Students will also gain skills in research and debate. This course is the same as SSC 301, and course repeat rules will apply. Students should consult with their major department regarding any restrictions on their degree requirements.