Course Home Page for Religion, Democracy, and Law

Spring 2010
Law No.: LAW9030
Sched. No.: 110217955

Religion, Democracy, and Law*
Section 1
X
Schragger, Richard C.
Schwartzman, Micah J.

Administrative Information:

Days, Times (Room):	M, 1600-1800 (WB104A)
Credits:	3	Type:	Seminar
Capacity:	10^{This information is current as of}^{11/24/2009 06:49:08 AM}^
Current Enrollment:	10 ^{This information is current as of}^{11/24/2009 06:49:08 AM}^

Course Description:

This seminar will explore the proper role of religious convictions in a liberal democracy. The first few weeks of the seminar will provide a general overview of the contemporary debate on whether citizens and public officials have duties to refrain from relying on religious beliefs in political and legal decision-making. After this introduction, each session will be devoted to an intensive discussion of an article drawn from the philosophical and legal literature (with selected topics including, e.g., abortion, homosexuality, evolution, blasphemy, public education, and civil disobedience). For each session, designated students will be required to criticize or defend the article in question. Since the focus of the seminar is on rigorous evaluation of the author’s argument, grades will be based mainly on a ten-page critique and on class participation throughout the semester.

COURSE REQUIREMENT: Ten-page critique and class participation