Robert John Burton

RESEARCH INTERESTS
American and Comparative Constitutional Law, American Political Thought, Medieval & Early Modern Political Theory, Constitutional Theory and Interpretation, Literature and Politics, Religion and Law, Conscience

EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Political Science, University of Notre Dame
M.A. in Political Science, University of Notre Dame
B.A. in English and Politics, Southern Virginia University

BIOGRAPHY
Robert John Burton’s research and teaching focuses on the First Amendment, religion and law, and theories of conscience in the history of political philosophy. His current book project is titled, A Conscience Safe for Politics: Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and the Formation of the Modern Conscience. Burton also conducts research in American political thought and constitutional theory more broadly, including “Constitutional Humility: The Contested Meaning of a Judicial Virtue” (forthcoming, American Political Thought), “Tocqueville, Religious Liberty, and the Nexus of Freedom,” and “Aristotle and Madison on the Cause of Faction.” In his teaching, Burton has extensive experience leading simulated learning scenarios, including constitutional conventions, mock trials, and U.N. summits.

Burton was born and raised in Alberta, Canada. He received his Ph.D. and M.A. in constitutional studies and political theory from the University of Notre Dame and his B.A., summa cum laude, in English and Politics from Southern Virginia University. In addition to writing and teaching, he loves long-distance running, classic literature, and spending time with family.

COURSES
Spring 2021
Poli Sci 470 – The First Amendment
ILS 200 – Critical Thinking and Expression: Arguments in Political Rhetoric

Fall 2020
Poli Sci 470 – The First Amendment