Terrorism: ICH's Smith Seminar

The Institute for Constitutional History announces the Robert H. Smith Seminar for Fall 2010, "Terrorism: Constitutional, Historical and Social Science Perspectives." The instructors are Philip C. Bobbitt, Herbert Wechsler Professor of Federal Jurisprudence and Director of the Center for National Security at Columbia Law School, and Richard M. Pious is Adolph and Effie Ochs Professor of American Studies and Political Science at Barnard College and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Columbia University.

Here is the ICH’s description of the seminar:

This seminar focuses on historical, legal and social science perspectives that bear on the problem of terrorism and the response of nation-states to threats of terror. Among the topics to be considered are the rise of the market-state and market-state terrorism; the impact of the market-state on theories of sovereignty and international law; the effectiveness, constitutionality, legality, and morality of criminal justice, intelligence and militarization responses involving detention, interrogation and trial; and government accountability to domestic and international institutions. The seminar concludes with a session devoted to policy proposals.

The seminar will meet Wednesday afternoon, September 1, 3:00–5:00 p.m., and thereafter Tuesday afternoons 3:00-5:00 p.m. on September 7, September 14, September 21, September 28, and October 5. The seminar will meet at the New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York, NY.

It is designed for graduate students and junior faculty in history, political science, law, and related disciplines. All participants will be expected to complete the assigned readings and participate in seminar discussions. Although the Institute cannot offer academic credit directly for the seminar, students may be able to earn graduate credit through their home departments by completing an independent research project in conjunction with the seminar. Please consult with your adviser and/or director of graduate studies about these possibilities. Space is limited, so applicants should send a copy of their c.v. and a short statement on how this seminar will be useful to them in their research, teaching, or professional development. Materials will be accepted only by email at MMarcus@nyhistory.org until June 30, 2010. Successful applicants will be notified soon thereafter. For further information, please contact Maeva Marcus at (202) 994-6562 or send an email to Mmarcus@nyhistory.org.

There is no tuition or other charge for this seminar, though participants will be expected to acquire the assigned books on their own. Modest assistance with travel expenses from outside the New York metropolitan area will be available.

Information on the Institute's other upcoming events is here.