Bennington College Launches "Saving Democracy Together" Class Amid Global Democratic Crisis
Seven-week program features high-profile speakers to inspire Gen Z engagement in crucial election year.
As democracy faces unprecedented challenges worldwide, Bennington College is taking bold action. This September, the College will launch "Saving Democracy Together," an innovative online and in-person course open to students, alumni, and the public. The program aims to reconnect current political realities with America's founding ideals, just months before a pivotal U.S. presidential election.
"Education and an informed citizenry serve as the bedrock of democratic values," said Eileen Scully, Bennington College faculty member and scholar of American diplomacy leading the course development. "Participants will engage in a journey to understand and champion the freedoms that define democratic societies."
The 90-minute weekly classes will feature interviews with notable guests, including:
- Richard Haass, President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations
- Andrea Bernstein, Peabody and duPont-Columbia award-winning journalist
- Former Vermont Governor James H. Douglas
- Anthony Paul Farley, Matthews Distinguished Professor of Jurisprudence at Albany Law School
- Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Vermont State Senator and civil rights advocate
- Svante Myrick, President of People For the American Way
- David Rohde, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and New Yorker executive editor
Topics will range from foundational U.S. documents to the global drift towards authoritarianism, and examine media influence, social justice, economic crises, and environmental stewardship.
"Democracy is under siege worldwide, and we can't afford to be passive bystanders," said Laura Walker, Bennington College President. "This course is a call to action. Whether you're looking to understand the threats to democracy or seeking ways to defend it, now is the time to engage. The future of our freedoms depends on an informed and active citizenry."
The course, developed with input from Bennington students and will include video appearances by prominent officials addressing young voters directly. "Members of Gen Z have an important voice that needs to be heard in this upcoming election," said Susan Sgorbati, Director for the Center for the Advancement of Public Action.
Classes begin September 5, 2024, running Thursdays through October 17. The course is $100 to audit, with the first 200 auditors admitted free. For-credit enrollment is $400. Registration is open at bennington.edu/democracyclass.