Constitutional Interpretation

Description

Professor David Forte looks at the U.S. Constitution and its interpretation, focusing on how Supreme Court Justices have interpreted it—and their own role in lawmaking—throughout U.S. history.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Wednesday, July ninth, 7:30 pm guest lecture; and select the RealAudio link to the left of the main body of text.

The Japanese Relocation and the War on Terrorism

Description

Professor Ken Masugi looks at the 1944 U.S. Supreme Court case Korematsu v. U.S., in which the Supreme Court ruled that the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was constitutional—a ruling that still stands today. Masugi compares and contrasts the context and substance of this ruling with the current political and judicial stance on terrorists, looking at the U.S. Patriot Act and arguments over whether or not this document is constitutional.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session seven, and select the RealAudio link to the left of the main body of text.

The Supreme Court and the Concept of Limited Government

Description

Professor Robert Alt examines the notion of limited government and how much the U.S. Supreme Court has held to this concept and contradicted it. He uses the 1995 U.S. Supreme Court case United States v. Lopez and the 1942 case Wickard v. Filburn, in both of which the Court used the Commerce Clause to allow the government power.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the guest lecture after session six, and select the RealAudio link to the left.

What the President was Supposed to Be and What He Has Become

Description

Professors John Moser and David Tucker discuss the development of the presidency as an institution in the United States, looking at the intentions of the Founding Fathers in creating the institution and what it has evolved into over time.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session nine, and select either the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

Presidential Greatness

Description

Professor Sidney Milkis talks about what U.S. citizens have historically considered "greatness" in presidents, and their desire to be led by such "great" figures. Milkis asks what qualities define this "greatness."

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Wednesday, June 19th, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm session; and select the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

Hoover/FDR

Description

Professor John Moser compares and contrasts the presidencies of Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, looking at how they are perceived today and why they are perceived in this way.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session four, and select the RealAudio link to the left of the main body of text.

A Library for California

Description

This lecture follows the history of the Bancroft Library, the leading research library for California and Western American history. It details Hubert Howe Bancroft's collection of historical materials, starting in 1859; continues with Bancroft's sale of the collection to the University of California in 1905; and then follows the library's development and leadership to 2005.

To listen to this lecture, scroll down to "A Library for California," and select "Listen to Broadcast."

California's Greatest Thirst: A Glance at the Contentious History of California's Water

Description

This lecture follows the history of California's development and use of its water resources; and describes major construction projects, from 1908 to 1960.

To listen to this lecture, scroll down to "California's Greatest Thirst: A Glance at the Contentious History of California's Water," and select "Listen to Broadcast."