One way citizens of large republics are educated in the principles of government is through novels. With this in mind, this course examines selections from the work of Mark Twain. Not only is Twain America's most enduringly popular author, but his novels depict important aspects of the American character and have much to say about such themes as equality, slavery, freedom, modern science, Christianity, and democratic leadership, all of which are crucial for understanding American history and politics. The main texts will be Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court; if time permits, participants will also consider The Adventures of Tom Sawyer or The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson.

While much of the press portrays Islam as a monolithic tradition, James Carroll's talk, "Islam: Threat of Gift?," will explore the perception of Islam and its complex relationship with Judaism and Christianity. A response by Asma Afsaruddin, Associate Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Notre Dame and Chairwoman of the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, will follow.

This workshop will "treat the Lower East Side, a neighborhood known for its immigrant history, as a primary source. Walking tours, lectures, and photography will bring teachers and a diverse group of scholars together to learn about how various ethnic, religious and immigrant groups adapted their religion and culture to America. The workshop aims to provide teachers with the tools and inspiration to bring the Lower East Side back to their classrooms." Specific topics will include "Eldridge Street Synagogue and Religious Adaptation," "Chinatown and the Development of a Port Culture on the Bowery/Chatham Square," "The African Burial Ground and African American Communities," "Irish and Italian Immigration and Foodways," and "The Interaction Between East European Jews and the German Christians on the Lower East Side."