America has long defined itself as a country born out of a rebellion against tyranny with freedom and equality as its founding principles. But a closer examination of the historical record reveals problems with the standard American story – how can we be a country built on freedom and equality when our Founding Fathers embedded inequality in our founding documents?

Guided by the expertise of constitutional law scholar Kermit Roosevelt, this course invites students to critically examine the narratives that have shaped America, from the celebrated to the contentious. Through a deep exploration of foundational moments and overlooked histories, it lays bare the myths and realities that compose the American experience. With a focus on the transformative periods of American history, such as the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, the Civil War, and the civil rights movement, the course scrutinizes the construction and impact of national stories. It questions how these narratives have served to unite or divide, to obscure truths, and to perpetuate injustices. By unearthing the diverse and often silenced voices from America’s past and present, Roosevelt encourages a more inclusive understanding of what it means to be American.