1776 in the Classroom

From literature to history, these courses explore the meaning of independence

a red white and blue graphic of students in a classroom

The following is a summary of a story by Cara August on Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. 

As the Fourth of July approaches, we’re looking beyond the fireworks to revisit the ideas behind the country’s independence. The following Trinity College of Arts & Sciences courses explore how the Declaration of Independence sparks an ongoing conversation about freedom, equality and what it means to build a nation. 

What is Critical Theory? An Introduction (LIT 314)

This course examines how critical theory challenges and reinterprets ideals like liberty and equality found in the Declaration. Students explore key concepts such as capitalism, race and colonialism to rethink foundational social and political ideas. 

The Americas and Europe in the Age of Revolutions (HIST 310)

This course situates the American Revolution within a wider network of global revolutions – including France, Haiti and Latin America. It highlights how ideas of freedom spread across nations and how diverse groups contributed to revolutionary change. 

Democracy: Ancient and Modern (CLST 275)

This course traces the roots of democratic ideals like “consent of the governed” from ancient Athens to modern America. It evaluates whether contemporary democracy lives up to its original principles. 

International Conflict Resolution (POLISCI 168CNS)

Focusing on the aftermath of independence, this course explores how nations manage conflict without resorting to war. Students study origins of armed conflict and theories of conflict resolution, including diplomacy and international law. 

Being Human: Exploring Our Boundaries in Literature (ITALIAN 171CN)

This course investigates who has historically been excluded from the idea that “all men are created equal.” Through literature, from Kafka to modern science fiction, it examines how societies define humanity and the consequences of denying it. 

Freedom and Responsibility (PHIL 123FS)

This course explores philosophical debates about freedom, ethics and moral responsibility. By engaging with major thinkers like Luther, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx and Kant, students consider how liberty can coexist with social obligations and differing visions of the good life.

To read more about these courses, go to Trinity College of Arts & Sciences.