People across the country are talking about the cancellation of student visas and detention of student activists, the decision to transfer alleged gang members to an El Salvador prison without legal proceedings in the USA, and the Attorney General’s decision to seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione for his alleged killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. These are just a few of the issues dividing Americans as they consider long-term debates surrounding free speech, immigration policy, and the capital punishment and renewed debates about due process and the rule of law. We’ll discuss these issues and more this summer.
Enroll in POLS Y201: Controversies in U.S. Politics Now!
- Fulfill the Campus General Education Requirement for critical thinking.
- Learn the difference between good and bad reasoning.
- Understand the difference between logic and political ideology (Left & Right!)
- Spot common logical fallacies and rhetorical tricks used to mislead.
- Investigate some of the most controversial issues facing U.S. citizens and policymakers.
- Course meets ONLINE: May 20 – June 30, T/R 1:00 – 4:15
Join fellow students online for this fast-paced, interactive six-week course where we will discuss:
- Common logical fallacies: slippery slope, common practice, traditional wisdom, ad hominem attack, guilt by association, non sequitur, two wrongs, appeal to popularity, appeal to fear, and more . . .
- Contemporary policy debates: immigration, guns, death penalty, torture, free speech/hate speech, and more . .
Learn to evaluate the pros and cons, costs and benefits of various policy options. Consider how the U.S. Constitution, legal statutes, and past court decisions shape what’s possible. Form your own opinions about the best direction for U.S. public policy. Learn to talk with people who disagree with you on the issues and to distinguish between value-based statements and evidence-based arguments. Practice the critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills needed for academic, professional, and personal success.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Elizabeth Bennion, Chancellor’s Professor of Political Science and Director of Community Engagement, 574-520-4127, ebennion@iu.edu. Need a more basic overview of the American political system? Enroll in POLS Y103: Introduction to American Politics (IU ONLINE, six-week asynchronous online course, Summer Session 1).