Join us for a series of classes led by Professor of Politics and International Affairs, Dr. Katy Harriger. All classes are independent and do not build on each other, so you are welcome to sign up for one class, all of the classes, or any combination. Descriptions of the classes are below:

Sept. 28 - The Supreme Court in American Politics:
Examines the role the U.S. Supreme Court plays in the American system of separation of powers, explaining the way the Court has changed over time and considering debates about its place in a democracy.

Oct. 19 -Deliberative Dialogue and Political Polarization:
The American political system is designed to operate in a slow, deliberative manner, but not to grind to a halt in partisan gridlock. This course explores the causes and consequences of our current polarized political climate and asks whether a return to deliberative practice is possible. Is gridlock inevitable in our system or something that can be overcome with political or constitutional reform?

Nov. 14 -The Long Term Impact of Learning to Deliberate:
If college students learn to deliberate about public issues, will they behave differently in their political lives than those who don't? The results of a fifteen year study of a group of Wake Forest students provides support for the notion that learning the skills of deliberative dialogue in college may provide a antidote to the highly polarized politics we find ourselves in today. Harriger is one of the co-authors of the study.

Dec. 2 - The Special Prosecutor in American Politics:
As we watch as another special counsel undertakes an investigation of a president and his subordinates, it can be helpful to look back at the use of special prosecutors in American politics. There has been a long standing concern about the actual or appearance of a conflict of interest when the executive investigates itself, and special counsels have often been seen as a solution to this problem. That does not always mean they are the right solution. This course will be based on the book Harriger has written on the subject (The Special Prosecutor in American Politics, 2d ed. revised. University Press of Kansas). Registration fee includes a light lunch and a copy of Dr. Harriger's book.

You are invited to join fellow Deacs for a very special speaker series event in our new home at the Wake Washington Center. On Tuesday, October 24th we will welcome Emily (MA '62, P '91, P '93) and Dr. Ed Wilson ('43, P '91, P '93) for a reception and reading of Emily's latest book, The Three Graces of Val-Kill.

Following a reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres, Dr. Wilson will address the crowd and introduce Emily to discuss her book, which examines the most formative period of Eleanor Roosevelt’s life between 1922-1932, before Franklin’s rise to power in politics. “Val-Kill was not only home to Eleanor Roosevelt but also a crucial part of how she became one of the most admired American political figures of the twentieth century.”

Cost of $40 includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and a copy of The Three Graces of Val-Kill. A book signing will follow Emily's talk.

Space is limited, so please register here to ensure your spot. We hope to see you there - go Deacs!

Register here to join fellow Deacs in the Wake Forest ticket block when Chris Paul ('07) and the Rockets come to Washington! We will be granted early access to the stadium to watch the teams warm up, and while we have not confirmed this - we hope that Chris Paul will once again stop by and greet our group.

Hope to see you there!