Overview
When discussing the separation of powers as a device to prevent tyranny, James Madison says, “The oracle who is always consulted and cited on this subject is the celebrated Montesquieu.” Indeed, Montesquieu is the author most cited in the Federalist Papers and was also used as an authority by the opponents of the proposed constitution. Published in 1748, and quickly translated, the Spirit of the Laws educated a generation that grew up before and during the age of revolutions on both sides of the Atlantic. This course will study the sections of the work that deal with such issues as the separation of powers, federalism, criminal justice, slavery, commerce, and religious freedom in order to shed light on the origins of modern constitutionalism and its continuing relevance.
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 will require participants to purchase /rent materials
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 September 29. After September 29, 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.
Photo: Montesquieu’s Spirit of the Laws
By After Jacques-Antoine Dassier - originally uploaded to en.wikipedia by Maarten van Vliet (talk · contribs) on 16 October 2004, 07:37 under the file name Charles Montesquieu.jpg.(+/−), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1636898