The
Institute for Constitutional History announces its Robert H. Smith seminar for fall 2011, "The Constitution: A Cosmopolitan Examination," led by
Thomas Bender of
New York University and
David Golove of the
New York University School of Law. According to the announcement:
This seminar will examine the ways in which the Constitution and constitutional law have drawn upon international ideas, incorporated international law into our domestic legal order, and responded to international legal/political issues. These engagements and entanglements with the larger world have played a widely underappreciated role in the making and the development of constitutional law. Indeed, beginning with the Constitutional Convention, this cosmopolitan outlook has informed many important moments of constitutional invention, and it has frequently framed debates and argument about both domestic and international affairs. Class discussions will also include occasional international comparisons. The seminar will proceed by case studies, including the Revolution and the Eighteenth Century Constitution, slavery and the Constitution, the Civil War, the War of 1898 and Imperialism, and the constitutional issues raised by the League of Nations and the United Nations. Readings will include both legal texts and relevant general historical texts as well as relevant historiography.
The seminar will meet at the New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York City on Thursday afternoons, 3:00–5:00 p.m., October 6, 13, and 27 and November 3, 10, and 17. The announcement further explains:
The seminar 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 advisor 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 April 30, 2011. Successful applicants will be notified soon thereafter.
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.
The Institute for Constitutional History announces its Robert H. Smith seminar for fall 2011, "The Constitution: A Cosmopolitan Examination," led by Thomas Bender of New York University and David Golove of the New York University School of Law. According to the announcement:
