This seminar addresses threats to democratic government in the United States, including the rise of authoritarianism, polarization, the spread of disinformation, electoral corruption, advocacy of violence toward political adversaries, and the politicization of independent institutions. In doing so, this seminar explores democracy's defense against these threats through efforts to uphold the rule of law, promote transparency and accountability, protect free and fair elections, counter disinformation and violence, and reinforce safeguards of democratic institutions. This seminar engages with these issues by focusing on the efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, including the work and final report of the U.S. House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol.

Students will have the opportunity to analyze the critical role of law and norms in withstanding democratic erosion, as well as the role lawyers have and can play in defending democracy, or, on the other hand, representing antidemocratic interests. In addition, this seminar addresses these issues in the context of the forthcoming 2024 presidential election, arguably one of the most complex presidential elections in U.S. history. Guest faculty and outside speakers will participate in certain class sessions.

Recommended for the following Professional Pathways: Government/Public Sector

2 Credits