What Can We Do About Political Polarization?
4-weeks (first 4) | Registration opens 8/28/2026 9:00 AM EDT
This course is a response to the political extremes that have taken over our country in recent years. We will investigate several organizations that are working to heal the divide. We will discuss contacting members of Congress, books and ideas about democracy, and how to evaluate news sources. Note that this course is intended to be non-partisan, neither for nor against Republicans or Democrats. Constructive class participation from conservative, centrist and liberal points of view are welcome.
NOTE: This is an updated version of a course previously presented in Fall 2025.
Paul Stoddard
Paul Stoddard is a retired computer systems architect living in Poughkeepsie, NY. He has a BA from the University of Rochester. He worked at AT&T for 38 years. He taught a course called Technology & Ethics at Ashesi University (Ghana), the Vassar College Lifelong Learning Institute, and at the Marist Center for Lifetime Studies. Mr. Stoddard serves on the Dutchess County Advisory Board of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley and as a “Book Buddy” for Dutchess County Literacy Connections. He is former Board President of the Howland Chamber Music Circle in Beacon, NY.