Introduction to Historical Thinking

Description

Professors Ronald J. Pestritto and Lance Robinson review the historical sources from which political progressives drew and developed their ideas, including G.W.F. Hegel (1770-1831). They also look also at how education shaped the thought of progressives.

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

Affirmative Action

Description

Professor Lucas E. Morel discusses the history of affirmative action in the U.S., looking at how it has changed from the early 1960s to the present day. He examines particularly the 2003 U.S. Supreme Court cases Grutter v. Bollinger and Gratz v. Bollinger, both on affirmative action.

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

The First Amendment: Religion

Description

Professor Ken Masugi discusses legal definitions and development of the First Amendment's freedom of religion. He focuses on the 1992 U.S. Supreme Court case Lee v. Weisman, in which the Supreme Court decided in favor of continued limitation of prayer in public schools.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session 10, and select the RealAudio link to the left of the main body of text.

Equality and Affirmative Action in the Mind of the Supreme Court

Description

Professor Jeffrey Sikkenga looks at the legal debate over affirmative action and how to enforce recognition of equality among U.S. citizens. He examines particularly court cases related to affirmative action polices, including the 2003 U.S. Supreme Court cases Grutter v. Bollinger and Gratz v. Bollinger.

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

How to Read the Constitution

Description

Professor Gordon Lloyd takes the listeners through the Constitution of United States, comparing it to the Articles of the Confederation and considering why it is less celebrated in popular memory than the Declaration of Independence.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Wednesday, June 26th, 9:00 am-10:30 am session. This should be the lecture "How to Read the Constitution." Select either the RealAudio image or text in the gray bar to the left of the main 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."