Introduction to the Basic Program: How to Discuss Classic Texts

This course introduces students to the Basic Program practice of close reading and discussion. The text we will read closely and discuss is the U.S. Constitution. We will practice abandoning all our presuppositions about the text, all that we know about prominent interpretations of it, to answer questions of interpretation using only the words on the pages of the text itself. In addition to forgetting what we already know about the document, we will construct an interpretation of the whole document as a unified message. Along the way, we will practice the discourse of civil discussion about topics we care deeply about, and, when necessary, cultivate respectful disagreement.

Notes

Online registration closes August 29 at 5 pm CT.

All Graham School courses use Canvas to distribute files and announcements. You will receive an invitation to join Canvas about a week before your course begins. Remote courses require you to login to Canvas to access the Zoom Classroom. Please visit the Liberal Arts Remote Learning Resources page to find step by step instructions for Canvas and Zoom.