Encounters with the Constitution

This course explores foundational and contemporary interpretations of the U.S. Constitution through landmark Supreme Court cases, with a special emphasis on the First Amendment. Participants will examine how constitutional principles, such as judicial review, federalism, equal protection, due process, and civil liberties, have evolved and impacted American society. This course is ideal for teachers of A.P. Government, as the selected cases align with College Board requirements.

Over the course of five weeks this summer, students will move asynchronously through key topics in constitutional interpretation, including foundations of constitutional authority, civil rights and equal protection, First Amendment freedoms, and modern constitutional debates. Each day of each week is dedicated to specific activities and themes, providing structure and comprehension checks for course participants. By the end of the course, teachers will become familiar with landmark cases and design lesson plans that integrate primary sources, case studies, and civic discussions suitable for K-12 classrooms. 

This asynchronous course is entirely virtual and will be taught by Dr. Jeffry Morrison, Professor of American Studies at Christopher Newport University. 

This course is open to active teachers in any state. Teachers will receive 3 graduate credits from Christopher Newport University upon completion of the course. 

Credit from this course can transfer:  

• 3 credits to the Jacksonville State University M.S.E. in Secondary Social Studies Education 

AMST 5##: Encounters with the Constitution 

• Week 1: July 6-10, Foundations of Constitutional Authority, Judicial Review, and Federalism 

• Week 2: July 13-17, Civil Rights and Equal Protection 

• Week 3: July 20-24, Voting Rights and Equal Protection in Practice 

• Week 4: July 27-31, First Amendment Freedoms 

• Week 5: August 3-6, Modern Constitutional Debates and Rights 

The deadline to apply is May 1, 2026. To apply, click the link below and create a new applicant account. When prompted, select “Teacher Continuing Education” to access the course application. 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.