美國憲法

Course description: This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the history of the U.S. Constitution, the structure and authority of the U.S. government, along with legal principles and important cases related to the Constitution. The topics include separation of powers, federalism, due process of law, equal protection, and fundamental rights. Learning about the U.S. Constitution not only helps us understand the American legal system but also provides a valuable framework for reconsidering constitutional matters within our nation. The course consists of in-person meetings in a campus classroom. Students are expected to complete the assigned readings before each class and actively engage in discussions about the materials during the sessions. The instructor will provide the readings, typically case excerpts from U.S. Supreme Court decisions related to constitutional issues for each week. Learning Objectives: 1. Gaining an understanding of crucial issues, legal principles, and court opinions in U.S. Constitutional law. 2. Developing foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills to analyze constitutional matters not only in the United States but also in Taiwan and other countries. 3. Having the ability to read and brief cases. 4. Communicating effectively in writing and orally in English on constitutional law matters.

There are no strict prerequisites for taking this course. However, it's recommended that students have a basic understanding of U.S. law and/or Taiwanese constitutional law. Good English writing and speaking skills are also expected.

Students can contact the instructor via email.

1. Student's grade is based on the following components: 1 Case briefing and presentation (20%) Depending on the number of students taking this course, each student/group is responsible for briefing and presenting an U.S. Supreme Court case. The case-presenters are required to summarize the assigned case and provide their questions and comments. The presentation should be around 20 minutes, in English, with PowerPoint slides. The student/group for case-presentation has to upload the slides 24 hours before class. 2 Class participation (20%) Attendance is mandatory. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussion. Raising substantive questions and comments in class is highly encouraged and will earn points. Minimum requirement: Speaking at least 3 times throughout the semester. 3 Final paper (60%) (1) Graduate students: more than 2000 words in English or 5000 words in Mandarin; (2) Undergraduate students: more than 1600 words in English or 4500 words in Mandarin. The paper should describe a constitutional law issue and analyze it with US constitutional doctrines and cases discussed in this course. Students shall submit the paper to E3 course platform by June 18. 2. No midterm and final exam.

No required textbook. The instructor will provide the assigned readings, which are generally case excerpts of US Supreme Court decisions. On the other hand, students who are responsible for briefing cases can find the court decision on Westlaw database and other publicly accessible resources. Students are also encouraged to browse the SCOTUS blog (http://www.scotusblog.com/) to follow latest U.S. Supreme Court cases.

地點

Instructor's office

時間

By appointment

聯絡方式

yhkuo@nycu.edu.tw