History 450 - JYW Seminar in History

This seminar trains students in historical research techniques and the writing of history, and fulfills the University's Junior Writing requirement. See the History Department course description guide for various sectional sub-titles and descriptions.

Open to Seniors and Juniors in History, Middle East and Judaic majors only. The First Amendment

This writing seminar focuses on the First Amendment--freedom of speech and religion. We will look at landmark cases that have shaped Supreme Court jurisprudence and the popular understanding of our rights in this area. We will also compare to the constitutional law of other countries. Emphasis will be on 1945 to the present. Issues include flag burning,
obscenity, academic freedom, Muslim veil, use of drugs in religious ceremonies, etc. As a writing seminar, the course will also focus on grammar and concision in writing.