Written by: Kyeler Bakaric
In a world where political decisions and legal frameworks shape the very fabric of society, understanding the relationship between law and politics is more important than ever. Political and legal issues dive into the heart of how legal systems function and how laws are used (or misused) to reflect, challenge, and shape political power. Whether you’re preparing for a career or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the forces that govern our lives, this class offers valuable insights that will resonate well beyond the classroom.
Drew Thompson, the professor of the class, opens the class with current news and prompts the scholars to debate amongst each other. Referring to headlines on the Epstein incident, the class discusses Trump’s administration and past political dilemmas surrounding it. With a short discussion on current conspiracies and chatter surrounding the case, Drew introduces the class to an article titled ‘The Power Elite’ and written by C. Wright Mills in 1956. The source depicts the power of man, the elites’ control in society, and the adaptation of society to the leading of both. Through the article, Drew’s goal was to guide the scholars toward discussion on how these things may remain prominent today. As one student argued, “History does repeat itself”, which prompted more scholars to voice their own thoughts on their findings. Political and Legal Issues takes your traditional class on civic responsibility and shifts its attributes to be more centered around the students own voice and belief. The class holds a particular interest in many of these students as it helps to teach them to look through a different lens when viewing authoritative action. Carolina Rhea and Addison Kendall, two scholars taking the class, convey how the class taught them new perspectives and introduced them to ‘classical’ news (referring to primary and secondary sources predating the 90s’). Many of the students in the class recommended the subject for future scholars for similar reasons.
Drew summarizes the class as a dispute on the state of politics and a serious perspective for scholars to be educated on. The class holds a prominent role in political education and promotes scholars to share their thoughts. Through these few weeks a community has been built between these students where they have grown to both appreciate and understand one another’s beliefs on existing political propaganda. A highly invigorated class which is highly recommended for both scholars who are looking for a career in politics and those who simply wish to broaden their global perspective.