Political Science & Current Events   

This three-week mini-course will emphasize discussion and encompass two topical areas selected by the Foreign Policy Association for discussion -- U.S. Engagement involving the continent of Africa, and the Future of Human Rights and International Law in a Divided World, thereby exploring different topical areas than were explored during the Spring 2026 semester. An open forum will be maintained in one instance in an effort to be responsive to emerging issues of the day.

Jimmy Buffet, in his song "Margaritaville," told us we all have to eventually admit that our problems are largely our "own damn fault." This course will use that sentiment to review the current state of governance in America and discuss avenues to improve the political future of the nation.

 

These thoughtful in-person discussions will draw on the highly decorated monthly magazine founded in New England before the Civil War. Under current editor Jeffrey Goldberg, it continues to publish a range of highly respected journalists, including numerous Pulitzer Prize winners (think Ashley Parker and Anne Applebaum), several of whom appear regularly on PBS's "Washington Week with The Atlantic" (including McKay Coppins and David Brooks) on Friday nights.

On November 3, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 35 in the Senate will be up for re-election! Hundreds of local and state offices/issues will be settled! Turn-out in POTUS elections is around 60%. Mid-terms? Barely 40%! This mid-term may be more consequential than any recent election. So, let’s dig into all the national issues, looking at how they rank – by party affiliation, generation, and region. We’ll look at some of the better forecasts of results and we’ll conduct our own on-line, in-class polls of issues/results. YES, we will forecast the House – Senate results by party!