Law and Argument in the U.S.

July 20-30, 2026 Rose Hill

Non-Credit Course

This course considers how the Supreme Court works in an era of polarization and in Congress and increasing presidential power. Students will gain practice in college-style discussions, writing, and argument formation. Students will also participate in two simulations, one on the Senate confirmation process for Supreme Court justices and the second arguing a mock Supreme Court case. Class field trips are planned to the Jay Heritage Center in Rye and the 2nd District US Court of Appeals in Lower Manhattan.

Students will:

• Learn more about how the Supreme Court works and how the
  decisions it makes relate to the health of American democracy in an era of polarization.
• Participate in college-style discussions, learning how to critically
  and respectfully discuss different ideas with their peers.
• Learn how to make effective oral arguments and how to use evidence effectively to support their viewpoint.
• Gain practice in college-style writing in the argument essay genre,
  learning how to provide and respond to suggestions from their peers and instructor.
• Participate in two simulations that will provide insight into how the
  democratic process works, as well as giving training in effective oral communication.

Overall Takeaways

Students will gain experience using evidence to support and advance an argument, both orally and in writing. These skills will benefit students both in the application process and as beginning college students. They will also be able to respectfully discuss ideas in the law with their peers, presenting their own viewpoint while also engaging with those with differing perspectives. Finally, students will gain appreciation for how college courses approach topics in law and politics, serving as a guide when they decide which courses they might like to take in college.

Instructor's Bio

Jacob Smith (he/him) is assistant professor of Political Science at Fordham University. His research and teaching focuses on American politics, with a particular focus on political institutions and congressional elections. He has published two books about
American politics with University of Michigan Press and frequently gives interviews on a variety of political topics to print and broadcast news outlets around the world. He is a graduate of Kenyon College (B.A.) and UNC-Chapel Hill (M.A. and Ph.D.).

Course Schedule

Week 1

Monday: Intro to Class and Discussion of the Supreme Court in American Democracy

• Morning icebreaker activities (both as a group and some individual writing
  activities).
• Discussion of several Federalist Papers about the Supreme Court and Part I of the Most Dangerous Branch by David Kaplan. This will be a combination of class and group discussion.

Tuesday: Discussion of Part II of the Most Dangerous Branch

• Morning activities and writing exercises.
• Continued discussion of the rest of the Most Dangerous Branch.

Wednesday: Visit to the Jay Heritage Center

• Visit the Jay Heritage Center in Rye, NY (childhood home of the first Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court John Jay).

Thursday: College Writing + Prepare for Simulation I

• Morning activities and discussion of college-level argument essay writing.
• Free-writing in class, group workshop, and revision exercises.
• Preparation for Senate confirmation hearing simulation.

Friday: Simulation I- Senate Confirmation Hearing

• Senate confirmation hearing simulation.
• Debrief of confirmation hearing simulation and our first week.

Week 2

Monday: Visit to the US Court of Appeals for the 2nd District

• Visit to the Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse for the US Court of Appeals for the 2nd District in Lower Manhattan.
• Potential meeting with a federal judge or presentation from other officials at the Court. There also might be the opportunity to view oral arguments in a case taking place.

Tuesday: Discussing the Recent Supreme Court Term and American Democracy

• Short writing and group activities to debrief from Court visit.
• Discussion of major cases from 2025-26 US Supreme Court term.

Wednesday: The Stages of Supreme Court Cases + Prepare for Simulation II

• Short writing and group activities.
• Discussion of stages of Supreme Court cases.
• Introduction of Supreme Court case simulation.

Thursday: Simulation II- Supreme Court Case and Wrap-Up

• Supreme Court case simulation.
• Wrap up of course and discussion of what we learned.

Apply

If you are not ready to apply, you can sign up to stay informed about the Fordham Summer Leaders Academy too, or email us with questions!