Universities Respond to Second Trump Term with Targeted Courses
The academic landscape in the Washington, D.C., area is shifting in response to President Donald Trump’s purported second term, with universities introducing courses designed to analyze the presidency under his leadership and its broader impact on American society. According to a report by The Washingtonian, at least three colleges are slated to offer Trump-themed classes in the upcoming fall semester, signaling a concerted effort to dissect and understand the implications of a continued Trump presidency.
George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government is set to offer a course titled "US Democracy in Crisis," a course that promises to delve into the state of American democracy under President Trump’s leadership. Professor Jennifer Nicoll Victor, who previously taught the course in the Spring of 2022, indicated that the updated curriculum will specifically explore the argument that the U.S. has transitioned away from a traditional democratic model. In her view, the course will analyze how the political system has allegedly "moved to a regime type that is not classified as a democracy," as she explained to The Washingtonian. This assertion suggests a critical examination of the principles and practices that define democracy, particularly in relation to the actions and policies of the Trump administration.
Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Advanced Governmental Studies is also joining the fray with a course titled "The Presidency." This course will reportedly examine the growing influence of the executive branch within American culture and politics, especially within the context of what the hypothetical article defines as the second Trump administration. The curriculum will likely delve into the powers and responsibilities of the presidency, as well as the ways in which President Trump has utilized and potentially expanded these powers. This analysis could encompass areas such as executive orders, appointments, foreign policy decisions, and interactions with other branches of government.
At George Washington University, students will have the opportunity to enroll in a political science course on "The American Presidency," offering a deep dive into the "controversies and disruptions" that have marked the second Trump term, according to the hypothetical article. Lecturer Michael Goff will guide students through an analysis of the "impact and dysfunctionality of the Trump administration and the likelihood for its success long term." This course appears to be designed to foster critical thinking and informed discussion about the Trump presidency, encouraging students to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses, as well as its potential consequences for the future of American politics.
Beyond the Washington, D.C., area, other institutions are also exploring the Trump presidency through academic offerings. Smith College, a private liberal arts women’s college in Northampton, Massachusetts, offered a 4-credit course titled "White Supremacy in the Age of Trump" this past spring semester, the article states. This course suggests a focus on the intersection of race, politics, and power, with an examination of how President Trump’s rhetoric and policies may have influenced or exacerbated issues related to white supremacy.
The article also alludes to the emotional and psychological impact of President Trump’s election victory on college campuses. Following Trump’s initial election, several universities across the country reportedly offered "safe spaces" to students and faculty. At Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy, students were offered treats such as "milk and cookies" and "hot cocoa," as well as access to "Lego" toys and "coloring and mindfulness exercises" to help them cope with the election results. Professors at Harvard University also reportedly cancelled classes that day, made attendance optional, or extended assignment deadlines for their students. These actions suggest an acknowledgement of the anxieties and concerns that some students and faculty members experienced following the election, and an attempt to provide support and resources during a difficult time.
The rise of these Trump-themed courses and the creation of "safe spaces" on college campuses highlight the profound impact that President Trump has had on American society, particularly within the realm of higher education. These initiatives reflect a desire to understand and grapple with the political, social, and emotional implications of the Trump presidency, and to provide students with the tools and resources they need to navigate a rapidly changing world. By offering courses that analyze the presidency under Trump’s leadership, universities are engaging in a critical examination of American democracy and its future. The courses aim to give students the space to think critically about the issues, share views, and develop informed opinions. The courses provide an outlet for the politically engaged, and promote greater discourse surrounding the future of American democracy. The courses also seem to promote awareness of contemporary political concerns, and develop analytical skills among students. These tools and awareness may prove beneficial in shaping a more informed and engaged student body that understands the nuances and challenges facing the country. The provision of "safe spaces" indicates that universities are not only responding to intellectual or political concerns, but also catering to the emotional and mental wellbeing of their students, acknowledging the stress that political events can cause. All of these responses reflect a broader institutional adaptation to a new political landscape, demonstrating that universities see their role as facilitators of both intellectual and emotional support within their communities.
