American Studies Summer Institute
Law and Disorder in Times of War: Security, Surveillance, and Civil Liberties (AMST 687)
The American Studies Summer Institute is an institute for teachers that is also open to graduate students in American Studies, political science, history, and related disciplines. Participants explore in depth a topic drawn from American history, politics, culture, or social policy. The intensive two-week program held at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum includes informative and thought-provoking lectures and discussions led by a distinguished group of scholars and guests.
This year’s program examines the legal dilemmas and tensions accompanying the United States’ involvement throughout its history in war and major conflicts. Issues related to war powers, the conduct of war, interrogation, treatment of enemy combatants, surveillance, security, and civil liberties will be considered. Our concern will be not so much to outline meticulously the content of the law, but instead to address the implications of these legal challenges for the government, society, selected groups, and individuals within a broader historical, political, cultural, and societal context.
The Institute will be directed by Paul Watanabe, Professor of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts - Boston, and Nina Tisch, Education Specialist at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
