Minor in the American Founding and Constitution
Our Mission
The American Founding and the Constitution minor is dedicated to advancing understanding and engagement of the American Founding and the Constitution. Through discussion-based courses focused on careful reading and analysis of primary texts, speeches, pamphlets, and other historical sources and documents, the program will foster a deep understanding of the legal, philosophical, political, and historical foundations of American institutions, encouraging critical thinking about the origin and meaning of Founding principles, scholarly inquiry into historical and contemporary constitutional questions, and well-informed civic engagement.
Course Requirements
The interdisciplinary minor will require students to complete six 3-credit courses across a number of fields, including History, political science, philosophy, and economics. Students are required to complete coursework in the following four areas of study, as well as two electives:
The Philosophy of the American Revolution
History of the American Revolution
Debates on the Constitution
Political Economy of the Founding Era
Events and Activities
American Founding and Constitution students are invited to participate as Constitution Day Scholars in the annual Constitution Day Colloquium. Students are also invited to the annual Patriot Day Seminar each spring, and engage in ongoing dialogue with faculty, staff and guest lecturers through reading groups, panel discussions, guest speakers and other events.
Spring 2026 Offerings
The program will offer the following courses during the Fall 2025 semester:
BLAW 300: Legal Environment (Multiple Sections)
HIST 199-01: American Revolution, 1763-1812
HIST 199-12: 19th Century American West
HIST 199-15: 19th Century American West
HIST 199-21: 19th Century American West
HIST 302-01: Formative Years of the Republic, 1763-1789
PHIL 337-01P: Responses to Liberalism
PHIL 337-02P: Responses to Liberalism
POLI 301-01: Political Philosophy
POLI 347-03: Supreme Court on Civil Liberties
How to Add the American Founding and Constitution Minor
Starting Fall 2025, students can add the American Founding and Constitution minor by filling out the College of Arts and Sciences' Add a Major or Minor form.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Mariani at marianim@xavier.edu if you have questions or want to learn more about the minor in the American Founding and Constitution.