The Politics of Polarization

3 credits · Undergraduate

This seminar examines political polarization, understood as extremes in opinions and/or the erosion of a more moderate political centre, and its impact(s) on power relations ranging from citizen interactions to domestic and international politics. Topics include how polarization develops and shapes political identities, discourses, and ways of thinking and acting. Significant attention is given to how polarization intersects with developments in media, information technology, and artificial intelligence. This course may be repeated up to a maximum of 6 credit hours with permission of the Department Chair. Prerequisite(s): 60 credit hours or permission of the instructor Preclusion(s): POLS 625-3, also precluded when offered as The Politics of Polarization: POLS 498-3 and POLS 698-3