PSC 288 - American Constitutional Theory

Course Units: 1

(Not Offered this Academic Year) This course is concerned with the theoretical foundations of American constitutionalism. American constitutional theory is a broad topic, inclusive of the nature of constitutions, interpretive methodologies, institutional design, institutional function, and political development. While this course will touch on each of these, the central animating question is: Who shall interpret the Constitution? Twenty-first century constitutionalism has been marked by interpretive pluralism and the interpretations offered by different departments of government bear their distinct imprimatur. As such, understanding which institution does and ought to interpret the Constitution is among the most important political questions of our time.