KC Johnson

History 7448

American Constitutional History

This course explores American constitutional history from the Revolutionary Era to the present day. It will be taught partly synchronously–in two groups, during the Thursday timeslot–and partly asynchronously.

Requirements:

• Research Paper (40%)
• Participation (30%)
• Review Summaries & Case Readings (20%)
• Asynchronous Lecture Questions/Reactions (10%)

Required Books:

• Eric Foner, A Short History of Reconstruction
• Linda Greenhouse, Becoming Justice Blackmun
• Michael Klarman, From Jim Crow to Civil Rights 
• Kevin McMahon, Nixon’s Court
• Jack Rakove, Original Meanings
• Jeff Shesol, Supreme Power
• Gordon Wood, Creation of the American Republic

Schedule:

July 14. Foundations

• [Stephanie] Gordon Wood, Creation of the American Republic
• [Nolan] Jack Rakove, Original Meanings
• Articles of Confederation
• Military Power: Brutus No. 8; Federalist 8
• Nature of Senate: Brutus No. 16; Federalist No. 62

July 19 (asynchronous): Slavery, Expansion, and the Crisis of the Constitution

July 21. Reconstruction & the Gilded Age

• [Kyle] Eric Foner, A Short History of Reconstruction
• cases:

1. U.S. v. Cruikshank: Mike
2. Civil Rights Cases: Giovanni
3. Bradwell v. The State: Basil
4. Yick Wo v. Hopkins: Robert

July 26 (asynchronous): The Progressive Constitution

July 28: FDR & Civil Rights

• [Robert] Jeff Shesol, Supreme Power

cases:

1. Korematsu v. United States: Stephanie
2. West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette: Nolan
3. Meyer v. Nebraska: Kyle

Aug. 2 (asynchronous): The Cold War & the Constitution

August 4: Civil Rights & the Constitution

[Mike] Michael Klarman, From Jim Crow to Civil Rights

cases:

1. Sweatt v. Painter: Giovanni
2. Smith v. Allwright: Basil
3. Reitman v. Mulkey: Robert

August 9 (asynchronous): Political Scandal & the Constitution

August 11: Battles over the Court

• [Giovanni] Kevin McMahon, Nixon’s Court
• [Basil] Linda Greenhouse, Becoming Justice Blackmun

cases:

1. Bethel School District v. Fraser: Stephanie
2. Morrison v. Olson: Nolan
3. Planned Parenthood v. Casey: Mike
4. Romer v. Evans: Kyle

August 16 (asynchronous): Approaching the Modern Era

August 18. The Modern Era

• Readings TBA

August 18. Final Papers Due by 11.59pm