Come read the Constitution together—not as a lecture, but as a conversation. Engage with faculty experts, students, and staff in an interactive, participatory reading of the U.S. Constitution and a guided conversation about how its interpretation has evolved over time. We’ll examine how constitutional principles continue to shape and be shaped by today’s most urgent policy debates.
Penn scholars from law, history, political science, and ethics will share insights into the legal, historical, and political dimensions of this foundational text. We will discuss topics like birthright citizenship, due process and the separation of powers, and constitutional protections for different communities.
Participants will break into small discussion groups to read and analyze the Constitution alongside faculty experts. Scholars will focus on their areas of expertise, offering context, answering questions, and helping participants connect the text to history and to contemporary challenges.
Participating scholars include:
Jasmine Harris, Professor of Law, Penn Carey Law
Damon Linker, Senior Lecturer, Political Science, Penn Arts & Sciences
Serena Mayeri, Arlin M. Adams Professor of Constitutional Law; Professor of History, Penn Carey Law
Amanda Shanor, Associate Professor of Legal Studies & Business Ethics, The Wharton School
Rogers Smith, Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Political Science, Penn Arts & Sciences
Tea/coffee and cookies will be provided. Please bring your Penn ID, a friend, or your entire class!
Take away pocket editions of the Constitution will be provided for use throughout the program.
Arrive early to explore relevant artifacts from the Library’s archives that will be on view.
Co-sponsored by Penn Libraries Building Bridges Fund and the SNF Paideia Program as part of America 250 at Penn events and exhibits hosted by participating partners across campus.
