Featured Classes for Fall Quarter 2008

201a    Critical and Reflective Inquiry   
J. Bower’s section     5credits
TR       9:30-11:50    ES345
ELECTION - As I write this course description the United States is gearing up for national election that will end eight years of the Bush presidency.  So, this seems like an opportune time to create a class that will examine the 2008 election with questions such as the following in mind:  Who are the candidates?  What do they stand for?  How have they gained power in their parties?  What are the processes, dynamics, and the influences that will lead to one of them being elected?

While we examine the current election we will study the history of presidential and congressional elections:  Who has had the right to vote historically and in modern times?  What has been the role of the electorate and the courts in electing presidents?

We will consider these questions as we follow the elections in real time – analyzing media portrayal of candidates, and candidate strategies.  And, of course, after Nov. 4, we will analyze the election that was (or is, in case the judicial challenges to the election). 

 

319b   Current Issues in the Law: Election
R. Montoya-Lewis     2 credits        
T   12:30-2:20                 FX312
During this quarter, the U.S. will elect its next president.  This course will explore current legal issues related to elections.  We will study the basics of federal election law, consider the Voting Rights Act, and look at the legal issues surrounding this election and the way in which the case Bush v. Gore (2000) has continuing ramifications for this year’s election. 

 

336b   Topics in Social Issues:  Violations of Human Rights 
B. Akinrinade     4 credits
MW     1:00-2:50        FA326
This course examines different approaches taken by countries and the international community in dealing with past serious violations of human rights, and the process by which formerly repressive States transform themselves into societies based on democracy and the rule of law.  It examines the various means of establishing accountability including truth, reconciliation and historical commissions; national, international and hybrid prosecutions of perpetrators of human rights abuse; reparation for victims of human rights violations; "lustration" laws and institutional reforms.  It considers the obstacles to this process including political instability, amnesty laws, and the lack of engagement by the international community in particular country situations. While all the mechanisms pertain to serious violations of civil and political rights, the course will explore the possibility of accountability processes for gross violations of economic, social and cultural rights. Other topics include accountability for terrorism and terrorist acts and the war on terror; and accountability for historical injustices.