1. Free Speech in Contemporary Democracies Julie C. Van Camp Fulbright Lecturer Comenius University Professor of Philosophy California State University, Long Beach

2. Weeks 2-4: 27 September, 4 October, 11 October  What is the basis for the right of free speech? 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

3. 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?

4. 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:  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

5. Week 7: 1 November  University closed: All Saints’ Day  No class

6. Weeks 8-9 8 November & 15 November  Current governmental issues in free speech 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

7. Weeks 10-11 22 November & 29 November  Current issues in free speech for artists and funding for the arts 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?

8. Week 12 6 December  Summary and Review  Papers due 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

9. Final Exam: week of January 7  Essay questions demonstrating understanding of course material all term  Closed book/closed notes  Two hours