In this discussion-based seminar, we will be reading The Federalist, the classic series of essays urging ratification of the Constitution, written in 1787-1788 by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. In reading this text, we will explore and discuss not only the "original understanding" of the Constitution, but also how the arguments made back then to explain and defend the Constitution strike us nowadays, given all that we’ve learned from our two-plus centuries of actual experience. The class will cover the following general topics: the need for a strong national government; the failures of the Articles of Confederation; the political theory and practical concerns underlying the new Constitution; the Congress; the presidency; and the courts and their role in preserving fundamental rights. Two sets of readings will be assigned every week, and each class participant can elect whether to read all of the relevant Federalist essays for that week or a subset of designated highlights. Note: The contents of this course do NOT duplicate Mr. Steinbach’s previous Yale Alumni College classes.

COURSE FORMAT
This is an interactive online seminar course that meets weekly over 6 weeks. Live online sessions will use the zoom platform. Weekly reading or other forms of materials may be assigned. Weekly sessions will be recorded and available for registered participants to access throughout the course.
There are no papers or grades. This course does not offer any credits or certificates. This course is intended for learning for the love of learning.

COURSE MATERIALS
This course requires additional materials. Please purchase or rent:
1. Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, The Federalist (1787-1788) – any unabridged edition is acceptable.

2. Sanford Levinson, An Argument Open to All: Reading The Federalist in the 21st Century (Yale University Press, 2015).

Registrants will receive access to the course website and the zoom links about two weeks before the course starts.

COURSE CANCELLATION POLICY
Registrants can cancel and receive a full refund up to March 25. After March 25, there will be no refunds issued.
Yale Alumni College courses are subject to schedule changes as well as cancellations. If Yale Alumni College must cancel any course prior to its start due to low enrollment, you will be notified of this by the cancellation date. Upon cancellation of a course, registrants may transfer their registration to another available course or have the registration fee fully refunded.

In the event of a disruption to the original course schedule, including but not limited to; Professor absence, hazardous weather conditions, or local travel restrictions, Yale Alumni College will do its best to reschedule the missed class for the week immediately following the original end date at the same course time and day.