Honors | Freedom of Speech in U.S.
H204 | 0012 | P. Newman
4:00-5:15pm TR BH 134
Contrary to what many people believe, the First Amendment protection
of free speech is not absolute. This course starts by asking the
fundamental question: Why should one want (or, at least be willing to
tolerate) free speech? What are the presumed benefits of free speech,
and what are its drawbacks? The course then takes up major exceptions
to free speech, including threats, fighting words, obscenity, slander
and libel, and copyright. Students will utilize their analytical
abilities and critical thinking by applying basic principles to
controversial issues such as censorship of the internet or university
adoption of hate speech codes. In addition to the materials in the
textbook, students will have the opportunity to read and discuss
actual Supreme Court cases.
Text: Thomas L. Tedford and Dale A. Herbeck, Freedom of Speech in the
United States, 4th edition (2001).
This course satisfies the College of Arts & Sciences