The Declaration of Independence at 250: A Film-meets-History Exploration of the Musical, 1776

About this event

Celebrate America's 250th birthday with this engaging look back at the Second Continental Congress and how the risks and rewards facing the Founders still resonate today. The centerpiece of our inquiry is the classic film musical 1776, along with new sources currently available as part of America’s Semiquincentennial. In addition to the movie, we will explore the events, challenges, and personalities of both the Declaration’s signers and other members of society including pamphleteers, women, slaves, and even the philosophical sources that inspired the Founders. You are welcome to attend any seminar, but it is recommended that you register for all four as we will deal with different material and watch part of the film each week. Week 4: Then and Now – Arguments and Ongoing Tensions Deep influences on the Founders such as Enlightenment “social contract” theory as it influenced the arguments of 1776 that still resonate today. We’ll explore value tensions over law and ethics, freedom and equality, unity and diversity, and private vs. common wealth. Last 45 minutes of the film.

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