US Constitution and the Freedoms of Religion and Expression
This non-credit bearing, self-paced course introduces participants to three foundational dimensions of American democracy: the U.S. Constitution, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression.
Each module is anchored by a lecture from Andrew Siegel, J.D., a nationally recognized expert on constitutional law and the Supreme Court. Professor Siegel provides historical context, theoretical grounding, and contemporary insights into how these core principles shape public life.
Supplementary materials from our global online journal, The Interfaith Observer, will deepen participants’ understanding of constitutional interpretation and the evolving balance between religious liberty and free expression. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on how these freedoms affect their own communities and explore new ways of fostering dialogue, civic responsibility, and inclusive democratic practice.
Why This Course Matters Today
The U.S. Constitution, inclusive of the freedoms of religion and expression, are among the most cherished rights in the United States, yet they are also among the most contested. In an era marked by polarization, disinformation, and declining trust in institutions, understanding the Constitution is not simply an academic exercise – it is a civic necessity.
This course illuminates the history of the U.S. Constitution in abbreviated fashion and focuses on two defining features of American democracy: freedom of religion and freedom of expression. Participants will learn how these freedoms have been understood across history, the principles and precedents that shaped them, and the ways in which they continue to be interpreted and challenged in our contemporary moment. By examining both historical foundations and current debates, the course equips participants with insight into how constitutional commitments are lived out in practice and why they remain vital today.
This course contributes to civic engagement because the health of American democracy depends on informed individuals and communities who understand, value, and practice the freedoms that make common life possible.
Learning Objectives
By completing this course you will be able to
- Understand the U.S. Constitution: Summarize the origins, structure, and guiding principles of the U.S. Constitution in an accessible and abbreviated form.
- Analyze Freedom of Religion: Identify key historical developments, constitutional protections, and contemporary challenges surrounding religious liberty in the United States. Assess how the courts, including the Supreme Court, have interpreted freedom of religion across different contexts.
- Examine Freedom of Expression: Explain the historical significance and evolving boundaries of free speech, press, and assembly in American life. Evaluate contemporary debates around freedom of expression in relation to digital platforms, political discourse, and public safety.
- Apply Insights to Civic Life: Reflect on how constitutional freedoms shape personal identity, community engagement, and democratic participation. Consider ways individuals and communities can responsibly exercise and protect these freedoms today.
