Hillsdale CollegeOnline Courses

The Roman Republic, which lasted for nearly 500 years, was one of the most successful systems of government in history and deeply influential on the American Founding. This course explores the founding, character, and constitution of ancient Rome; considers the rapid expansion of Rome and its control of the Mediterranean world; and examines the social and political turmoil of the late Republic, which culminated in the assassination of Julius Caesar. A study of Rome’s history provides abiding lessons about the virtues needed to secure a republic and the dangers that can lead to its collapse.

For most of American history, the people, understood as citizens, have ruled through elected representatives under the terms of the Constitution. Today, the constitutional rule of citizens is threatened by a new form of government, unaccountable to the people, in which power is held by a ruling class that seeks to transform our society. This course, based on Victor Davis Hanson’s book The Dying Citizen, examines the origins and history of citizenship in the West and the grave challenges to American citizenship today.

First and Second Samuel tell the story of Saul and David, Israel’s first two kings. These Old Testament books depict the importance of the relationship between father and son and the consequences of sin for the sinner, his family, and his nation. While David’s transgressions lead to great tragedy for himself and Israel, his penitence shows a path toward redemption.

The Constitution established a limited government, but a government with sufficient powers to protect Americans’ God-given rights to “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” This course examines the design and purpose of the Constitution, the challenges it faced during the Civil War, how it has been undermined for over a century by progressivism and post-1960s liberalism, and how limited government under the Constitution might be revived.