CoursesThe Future of Conservatism and the GOP
PSCI 3991-303

The Future of Conservatism and the GOP

This course will explore both the roots and the evolution of conservative thought by engaging directly with prominent leaders on the right. Multiple group projects will allow students to think creatively and have lively discussions with faculty and each other.

Fridays, 1:45 PM – 4:45 PM

The course is led by Evan McMullin, currently running for Senate in Utah, and Deirdre Martinez, Executive Director of Penn in Washington. From a fall 2021 student: “A new course titled “PSCI 398-303: The Future of Conservatism and the GOP: Radicalization, Renewal or Replacement” was bound to gain attention in the Political Science Department at Penn. Coupled with the additional benefit of an up-close-and-personal look into the ongoing campaign strategy of US Senate hopeful, Evan McMullin, an analysis of the past, present and future of the modern Republican Party was incredibly rewarding and prescient. This class not only allowed me to explore new political perspectives, but also helped me to develop a better understanding of the nuances within the splintering of the modern Republican party.”

In this course we hope to challenge assumptions as we explore the complexities of today’s Republican party and conservatism. Acquiring cognitive empathy by engaging with thoughtful scholars and practitioners and developing solutions from a different perspective builds useful muscles, both for practical career purposes and for personal growth.

*Sponsored by SNF Paideia Program’s Red & Blue Exchange

Example Syllabus [PDF]

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