While Americans are well aware of the polarization that threatens to tear apart the U.S., the news that Europe is doing even worse may come as a surprise. European experts know better and have recently published articles that warn of the possibility of civil war. But why is Europe in danger of internal conflict? This course begins by acknowledging that not only is the EU one of the most polarized places on earth, it is riven in two separate ways. First, there is the serious division between a Right that seems much like Trump’s movement and a Left that reminds many of Progressives. While this division is openly discussed in European media, the second split is far worse and yet little acknowledged: the challenge of integrating Muslims into European society. In this course we will examine both divisions, their origins and development, their philosophical and ideological underpinnings. We will analyze the effects they have had on European society and look at the possibility of a civil war, ending the course by seeking solutions to both sorts of fissures.

COURSE FORMAT
This is an interactive online seminar course that meets weekly over 8 weeks. Live online sessions will use the zoom platform. Weekly reading or other forms of materials may be assigned. Weekly sessions will be recorded and available for registered participants to access throughout the course.
There are no papers or grades. This course does not offer any credits or certificates. This course is intended for learning for the love of learning.


COURSE MATERIALS
The readings will be provided by the professor.
Registrants will receive access to the course website and the zoom links about two weeks before the course starts.

COURSE CANCELLATION POLICY
Registrants can cancel and receive a full refund up to May 19. After May 19, there will be no refunds issued.
Yale Alumni College courses are subject to schedule changes as well as cancellations. If Yale Alumni College must cancel any course prior to its start due to low enrollment, you will be notified of this by the cancellation date. Upon cancellation of a course, registrants may transfer their registration to another available course or have the registration fee fully refunded.

In the event of a disruption to the original course schedule, including but not limited to; Professor absence, hazardous weather conditions, or local travel restrictions, Yale Alumni College will do its best to reschedule the missed class for the week immediately following the original end date at the same course time and day.