Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/written-constitution
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of the American Constitution, Coursera’s course ‘America’s Written Constitution’ is an excellent choice. Taught by Professor Akhil Reed Amar, this course provides a thorough exploration of the Constitution’s main themes, including popular sovereignty, separation of powers, federalism, and rights.
The course is structured into 14 modules, each focusing on different aspects of the Constitution. The first module serves as an introduction, guiding you through the course layout and providing a copy of the Constitution itself. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the material before diving deeper.
One of the standout modules is ‘In the Beginning,’ where you take a guided tour of the Preamble. Professor Amar explains how this one sentence has had a profound impact on the world. The course then progresses to examine how various factors such as geography, democracy, and race influenced the legislative branch in the ‘New Rules for a New World’ module.
The course also dedicates significant time to discussing the powers of Congress and the President. In ‘Congressional Powers,’ you’ll learn about Article 1, Section 8, which enumerates the powers held by Congress. This module is particularly insightful as it delves into the implications of these powers on trade, military, and taxation.
In ‘America’s First Officer,’ the course highlights George Washington’s unique qualifications as the first president and how his actions set lasting precedents. The modules on ‘Presidential Powers’ and ‘Judges and Juries’ further explore the complexities of the executive and judicial branches, respectively.
The course does an excellent job of connecting historical context to modern implications, especially in modules like ‘Making Amends,’ which covers the Bill of Rights, and ‘New Birth of Freedom,’ which discusses the amendments that followed the Civil War.
As you progress through the course, you’ll appreciate how the Constitution has evolved over time, particularly in the ‘Progressive Reforms’ and ‘Modern Moves’ modules, which address amendments that expanded democracy and civil rights.
Overall, ‘America’s Written Constitution’ is not just an academic course; it’s a journey through the foundational document of the United States. Professor Amar’s engaging teaching style and the course’s comprehensive syllabus make it a must-take for anyone interested in American history, law, or politics. I highly recommend this course to students, educators, and anyone looking to gain a deeper appreciation for the Constitution and its ongoing relevance in today’s society.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/written-constitution