[Past Event] American Political Culture and Conflict | Ryan Ranch

Course Description:

During the past two decades, most notably since 2016, American politics has become increasingly polarized, acrimonious and vitriolic. Feelings of fear and expressions of outrage are common. Why is this so? Have we entered a unique period of division and anger, a sort of political version of climate change? Can our form of government continue to survive? Political scientist Steven Hughes explores these questions and more by examining the development of our political culture. He'll look at four critical periods in American history—constitutional origins, the Civil War, the Progressive Era, and the New Deal—to probe the development of our fundamental political values and beliefs and how these relate to our behavior. Originally conducted in Fall 2023, this offering returns by popular demand.