PBPL 82.10 Congressional Investigations, Law, and Democratic Governance
The course introduces students to the purpose and practice of congressional investigations. Issues covered will include: the role of congressional oversight in our democratic system of governance; the reach and limits of Congress’s constitutional authority to investigate; tools and tactics in congressional investigations; and how citizens and elected officials can best address current challenges to conducting effective congressional inquiries. Class discussion will frame these issues by focusing on the House Select Committee investigation of the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol and other high-profile congressional inquiries, featuring video excerpts and personal perspectives from individuals involved with these efforts. The course emphasizes in-class exercises in which students tackle various oversight challenges in the role of congressional investigators, and ultimately students will stage a mock investigative hearing.
Cross Listed Courses
GOVT 86.54