WSU Offers Community Course Exploring Polarization
OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University’s College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, in partnership with WSU’s Division of Online & Continuing Education, is offering a free online spring course titled “Why Are We So Polarized?,” beginning March 15 and running through April 29.
The course will provide the community with a broad understanding of the issues and questions surrounding the problem of polarization around the country. It will approach the topic from a variety of perspectives to help participants understand how Americans came to be so divided and explore what it means for the future.
“There is a lot of discussion right now about how polarized our nation is,” said Susan Matt, WSU history professor. “We hope this course will provide some context for our current circumstances.”
The course will be taught virtually using Zoom and Google Meet video conferencing platforms. Although there is no cost associated with the course, participants are required to register at continue.weber.edu/communityed.
During the seven-week course, faculty from various disciplines in Weber State’s College of Social & Behavioral Sciences will explore topics such as the history of polarization, the influence of social media and polarization in politics.
“We'll have historians, economists, sociologists, communications experts and political scientists who will offer a look at the long-term trends and social forces that have brought us to this moment,” Matt said. “We'll also have scholars who will point out the similarities between this age and other moments in the past.”
Weber State’s Division of Online & Continuing Education offers various courses throughout the year to encourage lifelong learning, professional development and community engagement. Visit continue.weber.edu/communityed for course listings and more information.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Shaylee Stevens, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948 • shayleestevens@weber.edu- Contact:
Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu