American Political Thought: Principles and Debates
Survey the key moments in the development of American Political Thought from the founding of the United States to the present.
This survey of American Political Thought traces the evolution of political and philosophical ideas across the nation’s history. Beginning with the primary texts and controversies of the Founding and moving to debates over slavery, the emergence of progressivism, and the origins of contemporary liberalism and conservatism, students will learn to analyze key principles and debates central to American political history.
The primary readings in this course are historical documents. To begin, students will read the writings of Enlightenment thinkers who influenced the Founders, the Articles of Confederation, Constitution, and other early national sources. Other selected texts include the writings of William Lloyd Garrison, the Declaration of Sentiments, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” and speeches of Progressives like John Dewey and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
This synchronous course is entirely virtual, and is taught by Dr. Alan Levine, Associate Professor of Government at American University this July.
This course is open to active teachers in any state. Teachers will receive 3 graduate credits from American University upon completion of the course.
American Political Thought: Principles and Debates
- July 20 – July 24, 9:00am – 2:45pm ET
- July 29 and 31, Follow up meetings with the professor coordinated individually with each course participant
The deadline to apply is May 10, 2026. Please direct any questions to JMC Graduate Consortium Manager, Moyra Eaton, at meaton@gojmc.org.
This course is a part of the Jack Miller Center’s Civics Foundations Graduate Consortium, which seeks to provide K-12 teachers with high-impact graduate education centered around American civics and history. Click the link below to read more about the consortium and explore other available courses.