This course is a basic introduction to the free speech guarantee of the First Amendment. Among the topics to be studied are the special problems of particular kinds of speech, including advocacy of violence as a political solution, libel, obscenity, profanity, hate speech, commercial speech, and symbolic speech such as flag burning. The course will also examine techniques employed by the government to censor speech, such as prior restraints and time, place, and manner regulations, as well as rights of access to public property such as streets and parks to engage in expressive activities.