This year’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence offers an opportunity to attend closely to this and subsequent founding texts of democracy in the United States. We will closely study the Declaration, the federal Constitution, and select Federalist Papers with emphasis on understanding the political philosophy and history that informed their creation. The 18th century authors of these document were especially concerned with liberty and tyranny, and we will consider how that nexus of concern informed institutions of American democracy.
"Activating" in the title refers to experiential learning observing the 2026 session of the Washington State Legislature and connecting theory of democracy with its practice. Field study will take place at days and times outside the hours scheduled for class meetings, with flexibility to accommodate work or other obligations.
Research in association with the field study may, if you choose, be developed further in a spring quarter offering, “AI: Two Truths and a Lie.” This offering provides instruction in ethical and responsible use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools. Assigned readings will be, whenever possible, no-cost or low-cost with substantial use of the library.
Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:
8 American Studies
8 Law, Government, and Public Policy
Registration
Academic Details
Preparatory for career or studies in American Studies, law, policy, government, civic engagement, political philosophy, history, education especially civic education, and public administration.