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Polarization, Pluralism, and Democracy

Overview

The Institute for Humane Studies invites graduate students to apply for “Polarization, Pluralism, and Democracy,” a series of four online discussions exploring the rise of polarization in America, how polarization threatens to undermine American democracy, and what can be done to address those threats. You may apply for one or more sessions.

Please note that accepted applicants are asked to acquire the reading materials on their own, whether through their institution’s library or by purchasing books. Participants will receive a $125 honorarium plus a $50 stipend per session to purchase books.

Reading List and Schedule

Discussions take place the first Thursday of each month, March–June 2023, from 2–4 p.m. ET

March 2 – “Social Media”

  • Settle, Jaime E. Frenemies: How Social Media Polarizes America. Cambridge University Press, 2018.
    • Chapter 3: The END Framework of Political Interaction of Social Media
    • Chapter 4: How Do END Interactions on the News Feed Psychologically Polarize Users?
  • Barberá, Pablo. “Social Media, Echo Chambers, and Political Polarization.” Social Media and Democracy. Nathaniel Persily and Joshua A. Tucker, Eds. Cambridge University Press, 2020, 34–55.
  • Hwang, Tim. “Dealing With Disinformation: Evaluating the Case for Amendment of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.” Social Media and Democracy. Nathaniel Persily and Joshua A. Tucker, Eds. Cambridge University Press, 2020, 252–285.
  • Villasenor, John. The Supreme Court and Social Media Platform Liability. Brookings.
  • Gorwa, Robert and Timothy Garton Ash. “Democratic Transparency in the Platform Society.” Social Media and Democracy. Nathaniel Persily and Joshua A. Tucker, Eds. Cambridge University Press, 2020, 286–312.

April 6 – “Populism’s Rise”

May 4 – “Race and Polarization”

June 1 – “Polarization, Pluralism, and Democracy”

Here is the timeline for our application process:

  1. Apply for a position 
  2. An HR team member will review your application submission  
  3. If selected for consideration, you will speak with a recruiter 
  4. If your experience and skills match the role, you will interview with the hiring manager
  5. If you are a potential fit for the position, you will interview with additional staff members
  6. If you are the candidate chosen, we will extend a job offer

 

All candidates will be notified regarding the status of their application within two to three weeks of submission. As new positions often become available, we encourage you to visit our site frequently for additional opportunities that align with your interests and skills.