Professional Linkage Seminar (394-LK-20)
Instructors
Anna Hill Galland
Meeting Info
Scott Hall 201 Ripton Room: Mon 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Overview of class
COURSE TITLE: Renewing Our Democracy: Perspectives on the Path Forward
Our democracy is caught in a multi-front crisis. Severe and racialized polarization divides our two major political coalitions. Some of the wealthiest and most powerful corporations and individuals fuel and benefit from our divisions, and their interplay has fueled gridlock, corruption, and dysfunction in Washington - which in turn has increased the public's appetite for more authoritarian leadership. Disinformation is rampant. Americans can't agree on basic truths like whether Joe Biden was legitimately elected in 2020 - even as attacks on nonpartisan election administration and the right to vote are accelerating in the run-up to the 2024 election. Americans today have historically low levels of trust in one another, in our government, and in our democratic system.
Addressing these challenges, renewing our democracy, and building a healthier political culture will require a range of efforts. Social movements and grassroots activists have an essential role to play - in concert with high-integrity politicians and public officials, journalists, technologists, business and philanthropic leaders, and others.
This interdisciplinary seminar will engage nationally-prominent guest speakers as we survey a broad landscape of efforts to renew US democracy, with particular emphasis on the role of grassroots movements. Students will analyze issues such as polarization, disinformation, voting rights, authoritarian movements, and the roles of media and technology.
Registration Requirements
Instructor Consent Required
Learning Objectives
● Understand major democratic principles and their current vulnerabilities
● Analyze the root causes and perpetuating factors behind democratic erosion and crisis
● Gain insight from active practitioners of political and civic work
● Evaluate the strategies and impact of pro-democracy movements
● Conduct original research and analysis on a dimension of our democracy crisis
● Develop skills in critical thinking, analysis, writing, and public speaking
Teaching Method
Seminar
Evaluation Method
● Background reading & discussion participation (25%)
● Two short response papers (20%)
● Final paper proposal (10%)
● Final paper (25%)
Class Materials (Required)
All materials will be made available online or via Canvas