Carter/Reagan

Description

Professor John Moser compares and contrasts the presidencies of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, looking at public perception of them and what these perceptions were based on. Moser examines particularly arguments over the extent of presidential power.

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

Statesmanship: Abraham Lincoln

Description

Professor David Tucker examines the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, its perception throughout history, and its impact on the course of American history. Tucker particularly looks at the Emancipation Proclamation and what it reveals about Lincoln and his intentions as president.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session seven, and select 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.

LBJ/Nixon

Description

Professor John Moser compares and contrasts the presidencies of Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon, looking at public perception of them and on what this perception is based.

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

Power: Andrew Jackson

Description

Professor David Tucker examines the presidency of Andrew Jackson and his image as a powerful, forceful president. Tucker looks at Jackson's veto of the Bank Bill; and examines the general perception of presidents—why they are perceived as they are, and what qualities are seen as representative of good "character" in a president.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session 5, and select the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of the 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.

Vision: Thomas Jefferson

Description

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.

Taft/TR/Wilson

Description

Professor John Moser looks at the presidencies of William Howard Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson. Moser begins with a general discussion of the "character" of presidents and what qualities presidents have been perceived as possessing or lacking.

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

Character: George Washington

Description

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.

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.