Course Schedule
23 January
The first class will consist of the traditional collection of information
and distribution of syllabi. After the necessary housekeeping has been
completed, each student will be asked to write down their views on capital
punishment. These will remain confidential and be returned near the completion
of the course.
28 January
Leviathan, chapters 1-5 due. Because the material can be difficult,
supplemental resources are encouraged. The lesson will consist of a brief
lecture on the origin of the death penalty and a discussion of the text. Be
prepared for the reading quiz! (See course description.)
30 January
Leviathan, chapters 6-13 due. Lesson on the history of the death
penalty. Be prepared to discuss Hobbes' view on religion and its role in
society.
4 February
Leviathan, chapters 14-24 due. Because of the length of the text,
skimming for crucial elements is essential. Hint: focus on Hobbes' "State of
Nature" and entrance into the "Social Contract." As you read, decide whether or
not you agree. Be prepared to discuss this in class. The lecture will summarize
the history of the death penalty in the United States up until 1993.
6 February
Leviathan, due completed. The lecture will consist of the methods of
execution used in America from 1930 until present day.
11 February
The Gospel According to Luke due. Be prepared to discuss religion as
a source of morality. For students who are unfamiliar with these readings,
consult secondary sources (i.e. SparkNotes).
13 February
Acts of the Apostles due. The lecture will consist of a comparison
between murder and capital punishment among various religions and the current
stance of the federal government.
18 February
The Revelation to John, due. This class will be the last one in which
religion and morality are discussed in relation to the judicial system of the
United States. Reflect on the correlations between religious views and
government practices. Is there truly a separation between church and state? Be
prepared to answer this question in class. There is no wrong answer as long as
you can defend your claim.
20 February
Legal case: “Arizona v Krone” due. This date marks the shift from
morality to the possible fallibility of the judicial system.
25 February
"Court Agrees to Hear Death Row Appeal", due. Today's lecture will discuss
potential reasons for alleged unfair treatment of different individuals and
groups in society and the judicial system.
27 February
Stonewall due. This text gives examples of prejudices that limited
the rights of homosexuals. Be prepared to offer creative correlations between
this and judicial hearings.
SPRING BREAK
11 March
No Pity due. This class will focus on chronically discriminated
groups and actions they can and have taken to acquire equality.
13 March
“ARTICLE: RISKING CRUELTY: MCCLESKEY V. KEMP, RETRIBUTIVISM, AND UNGROUNDED
MORAL JUDGMENT", due. Key concept for class discussion: do the same injustices
examined in No Pity and Stonewall occur in this case?
18 March
The Diary of Anne Frank due. After a brief quiz, Schindler's List
will be showed and completed during the following class.
20 March
Schindler's List completed. Due to the length of the movie, any
discussion will take place during the following class meeting.
27 March
This class will consist of a discussion regarding how presently viewed
horrors, such as The Holocaust, could have been justified, or perceived to be
virtuous, in its' historical context.
1 April
Legal case: “United States v McVeigh” due. Today, we will discuss
whether or not future generations will look back on current day executions,
similar to the way in which we now view the Holocaust. Be prepared to give your
opinion as to whether or not the death penalty will one day be abolished in the
United States.
3 April
This lecture will entail an examination and profiling of the most media
prevalent capital punishment cases from 1993 until present day.
8 April
The Prince, chapters 1-14 due. For the past few weeks, we have
examined largely liberal views on the death penalty. We will once again examine
the death penalty from a realist perspective and, in doing so, remind ourselves
of various reasons the death penalty, and any penalty, exists.
10 April
The Prince, completed. The Constitution of the United States claims
to protect us from cruel and unusual punishment. Given that, to date, there has
been no empirical data to suggest what occurs after death. Does the death
penalty violate the constitution? Be prepared to answer this question and any
other involving what is arguably the most important topic of the course: the
Constitutionality of the Death Penalty.
15 April
Up until this point, you have, hopefully, absorbed an immense amount of
information about capital punishment and various other relating factors. Today
is your chance to show what you’re made of. This class begins a two day debate
in which you will choose a view on the death penalty’s ability to deter crime,
namely liberal or realist, and engage your peers in a formal debate to defend
your view.
22 April
A wise man once said that a truly good lawyer knew both sides of a case so
well, he/she could easily win as a plaintiff or defendant. Today, you will argue
opposite the view you chose earlier. Both debates will be formally graded. The
winner will receive a five percent bonus on their final paper.
24 April
Meet in the science library to discuss the final paper and presentation. A
brief review of the semesters’ material will ensue and class will be dismissed
early.
29 April
Presentations continued.
1 May
Presentations continued. Final papers due. All papers must be handed in
within the first five minutes of class. Late papers will lose 25 points (10
percent) each day they are absent. Please read the assignment carefully for
details (i.e. title page, spacing, font, etc.).
6 May
Completion of presentations. Last day of classes. HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!!!
