CoursesListening in Troubled Times
ENGL 0755 / ANTH 1755

Listening in Troubled Times

“Listening enables us to give democratic shape to our being together in the world,” according to the political philosopher Susan Bickford. In this course, we will explore histories and theories of listening and the power of listening as a means to connect with other times and spaces.

In a world replete with suffering, listening is an essential skill that can help us find solace and community together, connecting what is singular in us with what binds us to another. Mindful of the dissolution of communal bonds that have intensified in the face of recent pandemics and crises, both domestically and globally, the course will also engage matters of public trust and social cohesion.

To lay the groundwork for a renewed sense of civic identity, we will partner with several initiatives and organizations at Penn and beyond that seek to transform our individual experiences into a collective power and demonstrate the vitality of listening to democratic life.

Other Courses of Interest

PPE 4900-301

Advanced Seminar in PPE: Cooperative Altruism

Instructor(s)

  • Jaron Cordero

Semester

Fall 2026

Cooperative altruism is the intention to benefit sentient beings and work together to accomplish this. Students in this interdisciplinary course will collectively explore cooperative altruism, both in theory and in practice. By engaging with a variety of approaches and perspectives — from microeconomics and experimental psychology to contemplative sciences and North American indigenous philosophy — each student will develop a robust vocabulary to support their capacity to learn about and practice cooperative altruism in dialogue.

Learn More
LAWM 5060

Technology, Law & Ethics (New)

Instructor(s)

  • Justin (Gus) Hurwitz

Semester

Fall 2026

What makes for a responsibly designed product? What duties do technologists have to ensure system security and protect user privacy? Who should be held accountable when artificial intelligence misbehaves? What constraints does intellectual property law place on product design and technologists’ latitude to experiment with technologies? As new technologies continue to emerge and shape both our lives and the world around us, they also raise novel, complex ethical questions that today’s engineers, tech entrepreneurs, other technology professionals are forced to confront. This course will introduce the legal frameworks and principles of ethical decision-making that enable technologists to identify their societal responsibilities, and to think critically through difficult issues. 

 

Learn More