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Tomáš Klvaňa, Ph D, M.A.(office hours: Tuesday 17-18h, or by appointment)
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Freedom of Speech
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Freedom of expression is the basic right that in democracy undergirds all other rights and liberties. It is also one of the most contested rights, attacked from the left and right. Western in origin, it figures prominently in today’s globalizing discourse. Taking advantage of the historian Timothy Garton Ash’s theoretical framework of principles for a connected world, the course explores the assumptions and practical controversies related to free expression.
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Students will understand the phenomenon on several levels including political, practical, theoretical, religious and historic. They will demonstrate an ability disentangle current controversies surrounding free speech and see them from multiple perspectives.
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10% -- Class Attendance
20% -- Class Activity
· Discussion moderated by professor based on course reading, films and lectures
· Possible short quizzes based on readings
· Short student presentations
35% -- Midterm Examination (several short essay-type answers; closed book and notes: students will not be allowed to use any course or internet resources)
35% -- Final Examination (three hand-written essays in class; comprehensive; open notes and books: students are allowed to use the course resources)
A failure to submit or fulfill any of the above would result in the F grade for the course.
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Grade A: Excellent work demonstrating a critical and observant approach to the subject, sound research and an ability to express thoughts cogently and persuasively. Grade B: Very good work. Grade C: Satisfactory work. Grade F: Failure to achieve a passable standard.
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A = 91-100, B = 81-90, C = 71-80, F = 70 and below
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· Timothy Garton Ash –Free Speech: Ten Principles for a Connected World. Yale University Press, 2016
· Texts and videos from http://freespeechdebate.com/en/ and other sources. Some videos are listed in the course schedule. All are subject to change.
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COURSE SCHEDULE
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Introduction
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Civil Society Goes Global
In-class videos: Salman Rushdie
Required reading: Garton Ash (Post-Gutenberg, Cosmopolis and Ideals)
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The Principle of Principles
In-class videos: Noam Chomsky on the Internet Echo Chambers (excerpts)
Required reading: Garton Ash (Lifeblood)
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Violence
In-class videos: The Innocence of Muslims (excerpts)
Required reading: Garton Ash (Violence)
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Taboos, or No Taboos?
In-class videos: Rubin Report (excerpts)
Required reading: Garton Ash (Knowledge)
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CHANGE OF TIME AND
VENUE
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The Marketplace of Ideas: How will Brexit Change Central Europe (A combined class session with New York University students at the NYU building, at 15-16.20h, Malé náměstí 11, Praha 1, Mucha Classroom, 1st floor)
Required reading: Garton Ash (Journalism)
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Midterm Examination
The Marketplace of Ideas
In-class videos: Christina Hoff Sommers
Required reading: Garton Ash (Diversity)
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Religion: Are We Allowed to Hate Islam, Christianity and other Religions?
In-class videos: Christopher Hitchens
Required reading: Garton Ash (Religion)
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Private vs. Public Interest
In-class videos: Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Required reading: Garton Ash (Privacy)
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National Security
Required reading: Garton Ash (Secrecy)
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The Bullhorns of the Oligarchs
In-class film – Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press dir. by Brian Knappenberger (excerpts)
Required reading: Garton Ash (Icebergs)
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Course Review
Required reading: Garton Ash (Courage, Challenge)
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January -- TBD
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