Encounters with the Constitution
An asynchronous survey of foundational and modern interpretations of the U.S. 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.
Over the course of four 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.
AMST 5##: Encounters with the Constitution
- Week 1: Foundations of Constitutional Authority, Monday – Friday
- Week 2: Civil Rights and Equal Protection, Monday – Friday
- Week 3: First Amendment Freedoms, Monday – Friday
- Week 4: Modern Constitutional Debates and Rights, Monday – Friday
The course application is coming soon. If you are interested in taking this course over the summer, complete the form linked below, and JMC will reach out to you when the application is open. 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.