Freedom of Speech, press and Assembly: Today and Tomorrow

Humanities

Freedom of Speech, Press, and Assembly: Today and Tomorrow

	Prepare: Read chapters 6 and 7 in the course text and review the following video: TEDTalks: Rebecca MacKinnon—Let’s take back the Internet
	Reflect: Certain freedoms identified and protected by the Constitution have been the subject of intense political, social, and cultural controversy. The right of all Americans to believe, say, and write what they want, to protest in our streets, and to challenge the pervading political, social, cultural thoughts of the day are the most fundamental of American freedoms. Yet, these freedoms have been, are, and will continue to be modified and will evolve as our nation evolves. For instance, in the last 10 years, numerous types of social media have been developed that have changed the way society operates. New versions of social media, from Facebook to SnapChat, are available at the click of a button – and even on our cellphones or watches. When the Founding Fathers wrote the U.S. Constitution, they had no idea how technology would advance or how this would impact citizens’ rights.
	Write: In your initial post of at least 300 words in length, utilize the Constitution, established case law, and scholarly sources to answer the following question: Is virtual freedom of speech the same as freedom of speech in other media outlets (i.e., freedom of the press)? Why or why not? Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references according to APA standards.
	Respond to Peers: Respond to at least three of your classmates’ posts by Day 7. In your responses to your peers of at least 200 words, extend the conversation by examining their claims or arguments in more depth or by responding to the posts that they make to you. Keep the discussion on target and try to analyze things in as much detail as you can. For instance, analyze your classmate’s response and the real-world examples they provide for support. Is the support they provide reliable and credible? Also, support your analysis with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references.