This course explores a variety of foundational topics in constitutional theory. Those topics include the nature and limits of constitutional reasoning, theories of constitutional interpretation, the role of non-judicial actors in determining constitutional meaning, and mechanisms of constitutional change. The course will function as a "book group" meant to facilitate informal discussion. Readings will include a number of the classics in constitutional theory, as well as some more recent work in the field.Assignments will include doing the reading and writing short reactions, as well as actively participating in class discussion. There will be no paper or exam. The instructors wish to emphasize, however, that the course will require a lot of reading-probably disproportionate to the single credit awarded.This is a year-long, one-credit, pass-fail course. We will meet seven times, likely in the evenings and at the homes of the instructors. Given the small number of meetings, attendance at each session is mandatory. We will make every effort to schedule meetings so as to avoid conflicts with other courses
Spring 2013
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