Fall Semester 2020
(1 credit)
Syllabus
Professor Doug Linder
This will be an
online course. I will post video lectures, and
in some cases also video clips from documentaries,
relating to one or two trials for each session.
Students will be expected to view these lectures and
clips in advance of class, then post reactions,
questions, or ideas for class discussion on our
"Trials Discussion Board."
Actual designated class time will be via a Zoom
meeting. This syllabus is tentative. If
there is substantial demand to substitute another
famous trial for one listed below, that can
happen. Grades will be based on an objective
exam and assigned essay.
SESSION 1 (October 7): HOW
THINGS GET CARRIED AWAY Salem Witchcraft Trials
(1692) SESSION 2 (October 14); TWO
CLARENCE DARROW TRIALS Trial of Leopold and Loeb
(1924) SESSION 3 (October 21):
TRIALS BY MILITARY COMMISSION Lincoln Conspiracy Trials (1865) SESSION 4 (October 28):
LYNCHERS GET TAKEN TO COURT Sheriff Shipp Trial
(1907-09) SESSION 5 (November 4):
TESTING LIBERTIES Ruby Ridge (Randy Weaver)
Trial (1987) SESSION 6 (November 11):
RELIGION ON TRIAL Scopes "Monkey" Trial (1925) SESSION 7 (November 18):
WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS Scottsboro Boys Trials
(1931-37) |