In partnership with the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute and the Organization of American Historians (OAH), the National Constitution Center is thrilled to once again host weeklong summer intensive this June, where participants will take a deep dive into the history of the U.S. Constitution. Participants will join Annette Gordon-Reed and David Blight, as well as other historians and legal scholars throughout the week, to learn about and engage with topics of constitutional history surrounding the founding era, the Civil War, and beyond. We will explore the Center’s exhibit spaces, historical landmarks around Old City Philadelphia, and other cultural institutions in the area to deepen historical understandings and build meaningful connections to classroom practice.
Application Criteria
This intensive is open to all social studies educators who currently work in 6th – 12th grade classrooms who have an interest in learning more about the history of the U.S. Constitution.
Participants will be responsible for reading assignments prior to the start of the intensive. This will include book chapters, academic articles, and additional scholarly readings. Participants will also be responsible for completing readings throughout the course of the week, in addition to the schedule of scholar talks, panel discussions, and time at cultural institutions.
Dates
Sunday, June 7 – Friday, June 12
Highlights
- Hear from constitutional scholars, legal experts, and historians as they discuss key components of constitutional history and ask questions about relevant topics today.
- Probe the drafting of the Constitution, its development as the national charter down to the Civil War, its re-imaging during Reconstruction’s “second founding,” and the history of some of the most important case law over time, especially Supreme Court decisions.
- Learn about the origins of, questions about, and modern interpretations of the U.S. Constitution through intensive sessions throughout the week.
- Explore the Center’s exhibition spaces and visit cultural institutions and historic sites around Old City Philadelphia, contemplating meaningful ways to bring those experiences back to the classroom.
Cost
The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute will provide a stipend to cover the cost of travel and lodging for all participants, as well as breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on both the opening night and closing night. Ticket costs associated with visiting cultural institutions around Old City Philadelphia will also be covered. All other costs are the responsibility of the participant.
Applications are open until January 23.
