Engagement in a Time of Polarization

How can we work together in a society where our communications channels have become so polarized? Can we engage in active, effective collaboration in a media ecosystem designed to make money from driving us apart?

This two-week course convenes a conversation on participatory engagement models, and on building understanding and relationships even within the very real limits of contemporary social media. The course will enact the same participatory ideas it explores, and will feature input from leading voices in media literacies, disinformation, and polarization. Participants can engage on their own time and in real time, and if they wish, can build towards action in their local communities.

What you'll learn

• Historical models of adult education for creating an informed, engaged citizenry
• Factors that polarize our current information ecosystem
• Hallmarks of participatory engagement, both online and off
• The implications of polarization - and participatory engagement - for educators, government, and media