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Academic Freedom Syllabus
Academic freedom is essential to all aspects of academic life and work. After all, colleges and universities can only serve the common good if teaching and research do not simply serve the interests of those with power and influence. Advances in the biological sciences, for example, are unlikely to take place at institutions in which the church opposes the teaching of evolution. Climate scientists cannot pursue knowledge about the true causes of climate change when fossil fuel companies drive the research agenda. And students cannot trust what they learn about American history when partisan governors, legislators, and political appointees dictate what can, and cannot, be taught in the classroom.
Despite the centrality of academic freedom to our profession, however, most undergraduates, graduate students, and even faculty, graduate students, administrators, and staff receive little training in what academic freedom is, why it is important, and how to protect it.
The Center for the Defense of Academic Freedom has provided some resources for teaching about academic freedom and institutional autonomy. This includes a module that can be incorporated into a graduate seminar, undergraduate class, professional development course, new faculty orientation, or campus discussion group. We have also provided additional materials that can be used to expand or customize this module to fit your particular teaching needs.
Academic Freedom Module
This module is designed to give a foundational understanding of academic freedom. Participants will learn to:
- understand the difference between academic freedom and free speech;
- situate the AAUP, and its understanding of academic freedom, within a historical context;
- explain the value of academic freedom and institutional autonomy;
- apply this robust understanding to specific controversies and situations on their campuses and beyond.
The module is designed to fill a 1-2 hour seminar session, but can be easily adapted as needed.
Academic Freedom Syllabus (for students)
This page provides readings and discussion questions. It can be cut-and-pasted directly to your own syllabus, or edited as you see fit.
Lesson Plan (for instructors)
This page provides PowerPoint presentations and other resources that can be used in teaching this module.
Additional Resources
The above module can be supported with these additional resources.
Background Readings on Academic Freedom
This list of readings includes canonical works on academic freedom, assembled with an eye towards providing additional context and resources for those leading class discussion. For courses with higher reading expectations, such as a graduate seminar, these materials might also make valuable additions to the above syllabus.
Topics and Cases
This curated list of readings focuses on examining academic freedom through specific topics that might appeal more directly to specific audiences or be adapted to fit your specific context.
