The technology of constitution-making has evolved substantially since the writing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. A constitution enacted today almost anywhere in the world would look considerably different—unrecognizable in relation to rights and freedoms, for instance—from the U.S. Constitution. This contrast raises a fundamental question: can we learn anything useful from other constitutions to help us address the challenges of modern law and society here in the United States? Students in this seminar will learn primarily about the U.S. Constitution, with comparisons to constitutions in the 50 states and in every region of the world. Readings will be made freely-available on Canvas. Evaluation will be based on class participation, three response papers (graded complete/incomplete), and one final term paper. Dinner will be served at every class session, sponsored by the Constitutional Studies Program and the Center for Law and Democracy, both housed here at the University of Texas at Austin.
Albert, Richard 
Levinson, Sanford V. 
Elkins, Zachary