POLS 1035 - Constitutional Law

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 3 Lab 0
Internship hours per week 0
Course Description: This course examines the principles and processes of constitutional law. Course activities focus on the structure of federal courts, the origins and development of judicial review, and the Supreme Court’s role in interpreting the Constitution and advancing public policy. Topics include civil rights, freedom of speech, religion, privacy, and criminal justice. This course is designed for students who already have a foundational understanding of U.S. government structure.
MnTC Goals
Goal 5 Goal 9

Prerequisite(s): Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of ENGL 0950 with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940 with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950 with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090 with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051 with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052 with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: POLS 1031

Major Content

1. Foundations of Constitutional Law
   1. Origins and Development of Judicial Review
   2. The Supreme Court: Composition, Selection, and Role
   3. Structure of the Federal Court System
2. Constitutional Interpretation and Judicial Decision-Making
   1. Methods of Constitutional Interpretation
   2. Precedent and Stare Decisis
3. Civil Liberties
   1. First Amendment: Freedom of Speech
   2. First Amendment: Freedom of Religion
   3. Fourth Amendment: Privacy and Search and Seizure
   4. Fifth and Sixth Amendments: Rights of the Accused
4. Civil Rights
   1. Fourteenth Amendment: Equal Protection Clause
   2. Racial Discrimination and Affirmative Action
   3. Gender Discrimination and LGBTQ+ Rights

1. assesss the structure and function of the federal court system, including the unique role of the Supreme Court in constitutional interpretation.
2. evaluate the historical development and contemporary application of judicial review in the United States.
3. interpret key amendments to the Constitution, particularly those related to civil rights and civil liberties.
4. critically analyze landmark Supreme Court cases and their impact on constitutional law and public policy.
5. assess contemporary issues in constitutional law, focusing on freedom of speech, religion, privacy, and criminal justice.
6. compare and contrast various methods and standards utilized by the Supreme Court when deciding constitutional issues.
7. prepare case briefs and construct legal arguments.

05. 02. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.

05. 03. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
Theme Goals (MnTC Goals 7-10)
09. 01. Examine, articulate, and apply their own ethical views.

09. 02. Understand and apply core concepts (e.g. politics, rights and obligations, justice, liberty) to specific issues.

09. 04. Recognize the diversity of political motivations and interests of others.

Practicum hours per week: 0

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