Reconstructing America's Story
Critically examine America's founding narratives, exploring the contradictions between ideals and historical realities.
Critically examine America's founding narratives, exploring the contradictions between ideals and historical realities.
Delve into a critical examination of America's national narratives in this thought-provoking course led by constitutional law expert Kermit Roosevelt. Challenge the standard American story by exploring the contradictions between the country's founding principles of freedom and equality and its historical practices of slavery and discrimination. Through an in-depth analysis of key moments in American history, from the Declaration of Independence to the civil rights movement, you'll uncover the complex interplay between national myths and historical realities. The course encourages a more inclusive understanding of American identity by examining overlooked voices and perspectives. You'll explore how national stories have shaped unity and division, and learn to critically evaluate the construction and impact of these narratives on American society.
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What you'll learn
Critically examine the standard narrative of American history and its founding principles
Analyze the contradictions between America's declared ideals and historical practices
Understand the philosophy behind the Declaration of Independence and its impact on constitutional history
Explore the relationship between slavery, the American Revolution, and the Constitution
Examine the transformation of the Civil War from a war for unity to a war for freedom
Investigate the Reconstruction era, its amendments, and the subsequent "Redemption" period
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
270 Minutes PreRecorded video
7 assignments
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
FullTime access
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There are 7 modules in this course
This course offers a comprehensive re-examination of America's founding narratives and historical development. Over seven modules, students will critically analyze the standard American story, exploring the contradictions between the nation's ideals of freedom and equality and its historical practices of slavery and discrimination. The curriculum covers key moments in American history, including the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the civil rights movement. Students will examine the philosophy behind the Declaration, the impact of slavery on the nation's founding, and the evolution of constitutional interpretations. The course also delves into how national narratives have been constructed and used to promote unity or division throughout American history. By the end of the course, students will have a more nuanced understanding of American history and be equipped to critically evaluate national stories and their impact on contemporary society.
National Stories
Module 1 · 2 Hours to complete
The Philosophy of the Declaration
Module 2 · 4 Hours to complete
Retelling the Standard Story
Module 3 · 4 Hours to complete
The Source of Our Ideals
Module 4 · 3 Hours to complete
The War That Made America
Module 5 · 3 Hours to complete
Reconstruction and Redemption
Module 6 · 3 Hours to complete
How the Struggle Continues
Module 7 · 3 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
Payment options
Financial Aid
Instructor
Legal Scholar and Author
Kermit Roosevelt, III, is a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, specializing in constitutional law and conflict of laws. A summa cum laude graduate from Harvard University and a Yale Law School alumnus, Roosevelt clerked for Judge Stephen F. Williams on the D.C. Circuit and Justice David H. Souter on the Supreme Court. His legal scholarship includes The Myth of Judicial Activism: Making Sense of Supreme Court Decisions and two novels, In the Shadow of the Law and Allegiance. Professor Roosevelt's courses include Introduction to Key Constitutional Concepts and Supreme Court Cases and Reconstructing America's Story.
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