Good Citizenship, Civil Discourse, and the Midterms

The concept of American citizenship and civil discourse has evolved since the nation’s founding. In this course, we investigate both the practice and the ideal of civic engagement, as well as the growing political polarization in the United States. We consider the nature and limits of American democracy over time, the historical roots of civil discourse, and the conflicts and compromises inherent in a democratic system. Part of each session is devoted to practicing the principles of civil discourse—listening across differences, engaging in constructive disagreement, and exploring ways to bridge ideological divides. We also examine contemporary and historical case studies, hot button issues, and current events emerging from the 2026 midterm election season.