The U.S Citizen & American Founding
The key founding documents of the United States -- such as The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and the Federalist Papers -- are formational in understanding the role of a citizen in the American polity. Drawing from philosophy, political theory and history, this theme will highlight several key ideas, including:
- limited government
- freedom
- equality
- the nature of rights
- the common good
- democracy
Guest humanities scholars, Annelien de Dijn, author of "Freedom: An Unruly History" and Aziz Rana, Ph.D., Richard and Lois Cole Professor of Law at Cornell University will provide a keynote lecture on “Freedom and Our Founding - What Do They Mean for Us Today?,” discussing the kind of government our founders sought to establish and freedom they sought to defend, and what their vision means for us today. This theme encourages reflection on how freedom relates to civic responsibility, self-governance, and the responsibility to be an engaged and informed member of society.
Events & Activities
Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 - Book Discussion on “Freedom: An Unruly History”
Book Discussion on excerpts of “Freedom: An Unruly History” by Annelien de Dijn, 5 - 6:15 pm, Henkelman Room, Albright Memorial Library
Tuesday, March 1, 2022 - Freedom and Our Founding - What Do They Mean for Us Today?
Humanities Lecture with Q&A via Zoom featuring scholars Annelien de Dijn and Aziz Rana, 5 pm, Zoom with 草榴社区 watch party
Tuesday, March 22, 2022 - Community Dialogue
Community dialogue focusing on freedom, our responsibility as citizens, and the common good, The Kane Forum, Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Hall, The 草榴社区
Humanities Resources