Is America Exceptional?

William Kristol

Hertog Foundation | 2013

“American Exceptionalism,” once a term debated by academics, has entered political discourse. What does or could the term mean? Isn’t America based on universal principles? So how can it be exceptional? If it’s not (or if it is), what are the implications of so many Americans believing it is? This seminar will feature William Kristol, editor of The Weekly Standard.

In addition to completing reading assignments, students are expected to write one 500- to 750-word essay for the course. Each day, several students will submit an essay in response to one of the discussion questions listed on the syllabus. The essays will be shared and used to begin the seminar.

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