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The Federalist Papers
DPI 406

Jointly Offered with: Faculty of Arts & Sciences as GOV 2087, Harvard Law School as LAW 3430

Course Information

Description

This seminar will focus on the eighty-five Federalist Papers, the pseudonymous essays published by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison in defense of the new U.S Constitution as part of the ratification battles. We will read the essays closely, seeking to understand the “science of democracy” as it existed in the 18th century and the design principles at the heart of hard choices made by the designers of the U.S. Constitution. This course is open to students in all schools and at all levels but capped at 25. Petitions will be approved on a first come, first served basis.

Course Notes

Also offered by the Government Department as GOV 2087 and by the Law School as 3430. Please note, this is a jointly offered course hosted by another Harvard school and, accordingly, students must adhere to the academic and attendance policies of that school.

Class Notes

Please note, the first class meeting will be on Wednesday, September 2 from 3:45-5:45PM at FAS.

School Harvard Kennedy School
Credits 4
Cross Reg

Available for Harvard Cross Registration

Department HKS Government
Course Component Lecture
Instruction Mode In Person
Grading Basis HKS Letter Graded
Academic Areas Democracy, Politics, and Institutions