Democracy in Peril? The U.S. Government in a Hyperpolarized Era

4 credits · Undergraduate

This course takes a sophisticated look at how polarization emerged, took hold and affects the operations of American politics. We will critically examine the antidemocratic design of the Constitution, how each of the three branches are a product of and contributor to polarization, and how institutions such as the media and lobbyists facilitate the dysfunction. We will talk extensively about processes such as the filibuster, budgeting, gerrymandering, and others are part of the current political environment. Importantly, we will discuss how American politics might recover from hyperpolarization. Students will work independently and in groups to explore these topics.