Free Speech in
Contemporary Democracies
Julie C. Van Camp
Fulbright Lecturer
Comenius University
Professor of Philosophy
California State University, Long Beach
Weeks 2-4:
27 September, 4 October, 11 October

What is the basis for the right of free
speech?
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Principles of good government and well-functioning
democracies: J.S. Mill’s On Liberty
University human rights: United Nations declarations
of rights of free speech
European Union principles of free speech
U.S. Constitution: First Amendment right of free
speech
Week 5:
18 October

When can free speech be restricted and
with what justification?


What exceptions should we recognize for the
right of free speech?
Should free speech be an absolute right
with no exceptions?
Week 6
25 October

Mid-term essay exam

You will be given an example of controversial
speech and asked to use the course material to date
to:

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
Defend free speech for that example
Defend suppression of the speech for that example
Open book/open notes

Test of your understanding of the theoretical material and
your ability to apply it explicitly and specifically to a real
problem
Week 7: 1 November

University closed: All Saints’ Day

No class
Weeks 8-9
8 November & 15 November

Current governmental issues in free
speech
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
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EU directive against racism and xenophobia
Regulation of the Internet in the EU and the
US
Military secrets
Obscenity/pornography
Material harmful to children
Prohibition on Hitler’s writing
Weeks 10-11
22 November & 29 November

Current issues in free speech for
artists and funding for the arts


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Should arts have special privileges for free
speech?
Can government funding be balanced with
the free speech of artists?
Does government funding necessarily lead to
restricted speech for artists?
Week 12
6 December


Summary and Review
Papers due


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Hard-copy on paper in class OR
E-mail attachment in Word format
Identify a free speech controversy in
Slovakia or Europe generally and use
course material to argue


The free speech should be defended AND
Suppression of the speech is justified
Final Exam: week of January 7

Essay questions demonstrating
understanding of course material all term

Closed book/closed notes

Two hours