James
Madison and the Constitution
July 19-July 25, 2009
Director: Jack
Rakove,
W. R. Coe Professor of History and American Studies
Professor of Political Science,
Stanford University
James Madison's
Montpelier
Though the Federal Convention of 1787 rejected several
of his pet proposals, James Madison was the leading
architect of the Constitution under which Americans
have been governed ever since. This seminar will closely
examine Madison's role in the adoption and early implementation
of the Constitution, from his efforts to reshape the
agenda of reform in the mid-1780s to the first disputes
over the substance and modes of its interpretation.
The seminar will approach Madison both as creative political
thinker and political entrepreneur, and ask how well
these two distinct roles can be reconciled with each
other. Readings will include Madison's best-known public
writings, including his major contributions to The Federalist,
as well as a number of private documents--memoranda
and letters--that illuminate his distinctive qualities
of mind. We will consider Madison both as a keenly empirical
thinker responding to events, and a theorist with the
capacity to step back from those events to ponder their
broader significance.
Please find below important information
regarding James Madison and the Constitution Summer
Seminar.
READINGS
Readings are sent by the Institute to participants of
the seminar.
TRAVEL
James Madison's Montpelier is
located 4 miles south of Orange, Virginia, 45 minutes
north of Charlottesville and 2 hours south of Washington,
DC. For more information click
here.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Workshop participants will be housed at Constitutional
Village. The Constitutional Village at Montpelier is
spread out over four restored farmhouses constructed
in the early twentieth century. The houses are within
walking distance of Lewis Hall, where all lectures,
discussions, and meals will take place during the program.
The houses in the Constitutional Village provide an
ideal space for conversing after program activities
and relaxing late into the evening. All houses offer
a lounge area and patios or porches where seminar participants
can congregate. Each house has kitchen or kitchenette
facilities, including refrigerators, microwaves, sinks,
coffee pots, and toaster ovens. Most of the houses have
complete kitchens, including a full-size stove. Some
light snacks and beverages are provided. Each house
has at least two telephones. Sheets and towels are provided.
In keeping with the spirit of the Constitutional Village
as a center for learning and thoughtful inquiry, televisions
are not provided, in order to encourage seminar participants
to use their free time for study, reflection, and conversation
with their housemates.
MEALS
All meals will be paid for by the Gilder Lehrman Institute
of American History.
TEMPERATURE AND
CLOTHING
In early July the temperatures range from the 70s in
the evening to the 80s and 90s during the day. Virginia
is very humid in the summer. Since it is difficult to
predict the weather, pack articles of clothing that
may be layered to accommodate a range of temperatures.
In case of rain, be sure to pack an umbrella. Dress
is casual during the day. Since you will be doing considerable
walking, be sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking
shoes and a head covering.
GRADUATE CREDIT
Pittsburg
State University (PSU) is pleased to offer graduate
credit to workshop participants at a tuition fee
of $199 per credit hour. Participants can receive three
graduate credit hours for the duration of the week.
For more information, including cost, please contact
Dr.
Kelly A. Woestman. Please note the enrollment deadline
is June 1, 2009. PSU has national NCATE
accreditation.
If you plan on transferring graduate credits please
ask your higher education institution if it will accept
transfers, especially toward degree programs.
ACADEMIC RESOURCES
The Gilder Lehrman Institute and James Madison's Montpelier
will arrange for computer access and printer services
to be available during the week. Classrooms located
on site will be used for workshops.
STIPEND
Participating teachers will receive a stipend of $400
to help cover travel expenses. All participants are
required to attend all workshop sessions to receive
full stipends. Participants who do not complete the
full tenure of the project will receive a reduced stipend.
We will present stipend checks to participants prior
to departure. Stipends are taxable. Reporting is the
responsibility of the participant.
QUESTIONS?
E-mail seminars@gilderlehrman.org
or call 646-366-9666.
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