Professor Christopher Flannery examines the prominence of the Declaration of Independence in U.S. history and present life, the context in which it was written, and the intentions of its drafters. He looks at the ethics and morality represented in the document.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Monday, June 24th, 10:50 am-12:20 pm session. This should be the lecture, "The American Mind." Select the text or image for RealAudio in the gray bar to the left of the main text.

Older versions of this lecture, from newest to oldest, can be found here and here.

Professor Christopher Flannery examines the prominence of the Declaration of Independence in U.S. history and present life, the context in which it was written, and the intentions of its drafters. He includes readings from historical documents.

For the lecture, follow the link below and scroll down to the first seminar under Monday, June 21.

Older versions of this lecture can be found, from most recent to oldest, here, here, and here.

Professors Ronald J. Pestritto and Lance Robinson trace the development of political thought in the U.S., beginning with that suggested in the works and actions of the Founding Fathers and contrasting those views with those of later progressives.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session one, and select the corresponding RealAudio link to the left.

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.

Professor Douglas W. Kmiec examines the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, looking at what the two documents actually say, how they are commonly interpreted, and what the Founders' original intentions may have been. He also examines where the rights described in both originate from—that is, the concept of natural law.

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

Professor Christopher Flannery walks through the Federalist Papers. He focuses particularly on the qualities of the American citizen and government, as suggested by the Papers.

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

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.

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.

Professor David Tucker looks at the life and philosophies of Thomas Jefferson, examining what he wished to achieve in his political career and what he saw as necessary for good government.

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

Professor David Tucker discusses the life and character of George Washington. Tucker begins with a debate over the modern-day reaction to and interpretation of Thomas Jefferson's possible relationship with his slave Sally Hemings and the differences it makes (or does not make) in perceptions of Jefferson's character. He also digresses into general discussion of what qualities define a "good" president and how these perceptions have changed over time.

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