In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, democratic notions of freedom, privacy, justice, and liberty have been increasingly challenged by the necessity to ensure domestic security and wage war. The tension between liberty and security has come to the forefront in public policy debates. Students in this course will discuss the meaning of liberty as it has emerged in our nation. They will explore the current security threats to our nation. Then, using readings selected for the course, students will evaluate the public policies being promulgated, using a liberty lens. The inquiry will include examples from history, legal and political analysis, as well as current critiques.
Advising Note
RSC General Education Breadth: Social and Behavioral Sciences; RSC General Education Breadth: Humanities - Elective