American Political Thought, Spring 2004

Abstract:: This course surveys American political thought from the colonial era to the present. Required readings are drawn mainly from primary sources, including writings of politicians, activists, and theorists. Topics include the relationship between religion and politics, rights, federalism, national identity, republicanism versus liberalism, the relationship of subordinated groups to mainstream political discourse, and the role of ideas in politics. We will analyze the simultaneous radicalism and weakness of American liberalism, how the revolutionary ideas of freedom and equality run up against persistent patterns of inequality. Graduate students are expected to pursue the subject in greater depth through suggested reading and individual research.

No Strings Attached

Computational Sciences Lecture Series at UW-Madison

Abstract:: The goal of the Computational Sciences Lecture Series (CSLS) is to bring together researchers from mathematics (pure and applied), computer science, physics, and engineering to promote cross-fertilization between these fields and to establish computational science as an active research discipline at UW-Madison. The CSLS will consist of several half-day meetings during each year, each meeting consisting of three lectures by distinguished researchers, grouped around a common theme.

No Strings Attached

Abstract:: describes the setting, main house, and grounds of the home of our fourth President and the father of the Constitution. It also provides insights into daily life in the 19th century in a home located on a 5,000-acre plantation in the Piedmont of Virginia. The Madisons received many visitors; in fact, it was not uncommon for them to have as many as 25 guests requiring both room and board.

Abstract:: Subject considers constitutional rights, processes, civil rights and liberties, and criminal procedure. Focus on Supreme Court case law.