Videos are idea-focused, and each session highlights the timeless importance and contemporary relevance of these ideas. Each episode lasts approximately 15 minutes and is accompanied by supplemental primary source readings. Topics explore natural law and rights, equality, civic virtue, and more.

Featured scholars in the videos include the following:

• Nicholas Cole, Ph.D., of Pembroke College, University of Oxford
• Bradley Rebeiro, Ph.D., of Brigham Young University Law School
• Savannah Eccles Johnston, Ph.D., director of UVU’s Master of Arts in
• Constitutional Government, Civics, and Law program
• Robert Burton, Ph.D., director of the UVU Civic Thought and Leadership Initiative
• Matthew Brogdon, Ph.D., senior director of CCS at UVU

“The Declaration of Independence is much more than a historic document; it is a statement of enduring principles that continue to shape our understanding of liberty, equality, and self-government,” said Brogdon. “Through the Declaration Masterclass, we want to help people engage directly with those ideas, understand their historical context, and consider why they remain relevant nearly 250 years later.”

The following episodes are currently available:

• An Expression of the American Mind–with Dr. Nicholas Cole of Pembroke College, University of Oxford–considers the history of the Declaration and what was at stake in 1776.
• Natural Law and Natural Rights–with Dr. Bradley Rebeiro of Brigham Young University Law School–covers the fundamental idea underlining the Declaration, that there is a standard for justice in nature.
• Equality and Consent–with Dr. Savannah Eccles Johnston of Utah Valley University’s CCS–explores the centrality of the equality principle articulated in the Declaration, and how the consent principle follows.
• Civic Virtue and the Declaration–with Dr. Robert Burton of Utah Valley University’s CCS–discusses civic virtue, a trait central to the American Founding, including the exercise of the right to revolution.
• The Pursuit of Happiness–with Dr. Matthew Brogdon of Utah Valley University’s CCS–unpacks the American vision for government that enables people to pursue happiness and the difference between theory and practice in American history.

Learn more about the Declaration Masterclass videos at https://www.uvu.edu/ccs/civic_thought_leadership/declaration_master_class.html.

About CCS

The UVU Center for Constitutional Studies is a nonpartisan academic institute that promotes the instruction, study, and research of constitutionalism. The center examines important constitutional issues found at the intersection of political thought, public policy, religion, law, history, and economics.

CCS employs a multidisciplinary approach to equip a new generation of citizens and leaders with a broad understanding of the ideas and practices critical to the perpetuation of constitutional government, ordered liberty, and the rule of law.

About Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University believes in the power and potential of every student. Our work is guided by a commitment to exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results. We provide a high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible. From certificates to master’s degrees, UVU offers flexible, relevant programs grounded in hands-on learning and real-world experiences, ensuring that students graduate with career-ready skills and are ready to receive a strong return on investment. As an open-enrollment university, we invite students to come as they are, and they leave prepared to make an immediate impact in their careers and communities.