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Spring 2027 Seminar

American Citizenship

Analytical Paper Optional: All enrolled students have the option of completing a research paper of at least 20-25 pages, with faculty and peer review of a substantially complete draft. This paper can be used to satisfy the analytical paper requirement for J.D. students.

Prerequisite: None

Exam Type: No Exam

Citizenship in the United States has become contested, like many other things. This seminar will focus on the law and practice of American citizenship, including acquisition of citizenship by birth and naturalization, loss of citizenship, rights and responsibilities of citizens, multiple citizenship, and differentiated citizenship. Current and traditional controversies will be examined from the perspective of statutory and constitutional law, but also with insights from political theory, comparative law, and international law.
Grades will be based equally on class participation and a 20-25 page research paper.

No prior study of immigration or nationality law is necessary.

Note: Students who enrolled and completed Professor Neuman’s previous reading group, Citizenship, are not eligible to enroll in this seminar.