Professor Steven Forde talks about the life and beliefs of Benjamin Franklin, using Franklin's writings to explore these issues. Forde looks at the ways in which Franklin was both different from and similar to the other founders, at the written legacy he has left, and at the virtues he felt were necessary for democratic government to succeed.

Professor James W. Muller goes through the Federalist #10, reading it to discover how its authors believed the problems of government could be solved and how the document has influenced American history. This lecture continues from the lecture "How to Read Federalist #10, Part One."

Professor James W. Muller goes through the Federalist #10, reading it to discover how its authors believed the problems of government could be solved and how the document has influenced American history.

Professor Ken Masugi explores the nature of civil rights in the American founding and its evolution during and after the Civil War. He moves on to later developments, including the Civil Rights Movement and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. This lecture continues from the lecture "Civil Rights in America, Part One."

Professor Ken Masugi explores the nature of civil rights in the American founding and its evolution during and after the Civil War. He examines various textual sources to see what arguments were made for and against slavery and equal race relations, both prior to the founding of the U.S. and following it.

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, select the real audio link for session two.

Professor David Tucker compares and contrasts John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson's views of the ideal American citizen and government, as suggested in their presidential speeches. He begins with some discussion of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson's views, as well. This lecture continues from the lecture "How Should Americans Live?"

To access the lecture, scroll to Tuesday, August 3, 10:50 am - 12:20 pm. Select the option to the left, "RealAudio: Click Here to Listen."

An older version of this lecture appears here.

Professor David Tucker discusses the ideal "American character" and government, as suggested by several of the Founding Fathers, including Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton.

To listen to this lecture, scroll down to 9:00 am-10:30 am on Tuesday, August third. This should be the lecture "How Should Americans Live?" Click on the Real Audio image or text in the gray bar to the left of the main text.

An older version of this lecture can be found here.

Professor Christopher Flannery examines the ideals and values associated with being "American," what those ideals mean, and where they originated. Flannery looks at the founding documents of the United States and the positions of the Founding Fathers and of other notable figures throughout U.S. history.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Monday, August 2nd, 9:00 am-10:30 am session; and select either the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

An older version of this lecture can be found here.

Professors Lucas E. Morel and Diana Schaub discuss the Founding Fathers' intentions in drafting the founding documents of the United States and the views of slavery, freedom, and equality that may be taken from these documents.

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

An older version of this lecture can be found here.