Understanding Trump: Universities Offer Courses on the Mercurial Presidency

Universities Worldwide Launch Courses to Decode Trump’s Second Term

As Donald Trump embarks on his second term in office, a wave of academic institutions is stepping up to help students navigate the complexities of his presidency. With the political landscape shifting rapidly, universities across the globe are introducing specialized courses aimed at unpacking the “Trump phenomenon” and its implications for American society and beyond.

At the University of Pennsylvania, students can enroll in courses like Climate and Environment Journalism: Truth-Telling in the Trump Era and American Conservatism From Taft to Trump, both designed to explore the intersections of media, politics, and environmental issues during Trump’s presidency. Meanwhile, The New School offers a module titled Donald Trump as History, which examines how Trump’s leadership reshapes perceptions of U.S. history.

Internationally, the trend is mirrored at the University of Sheffield in the UK, where the course Trumpism: An American Biography delves into historical contexts to better understand contemporary political dynamics. Andrew Heath, a lecturer in U.S. history at Sheffield, emphasizes the importance of critically analyzing terms like “populism,” which are frequently used in media discussions about Trump.

However, teaching about such a fluid political situation presents unique challenges. Heath notes that course materials can quickly become outdated, especially during election years. “Every iteration of the unit needs significant updating,” he explains, highlighting the difficulties of keeping pace with ongoing developments.

Christopher Breem, managing director of the McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Pennsylvania State University, acknowledges the inherent risks of teaching current events but believes that students are eager to engage with relevant topics that impact their futures. “If you are upfront with students about the challenges, they tend to accept it,” he says.

Breem, who previously taught a course on Trump’s unconventional campaign in 2016, sees the potential for rich discussions about populism in U.S. history and its global counterparts. “Using Trump as a lens to examine where we are and how we got here can lead to a really good class,” he asserts.

Other institutions are also joining the conversation. The University of East Anglia offers a module titled MAGA: Donald Trump and Twenty-First Century America, while University College Dublin presents Trump’s America. The University of Southern Denmark has introduced a course focusing on U.S. society under Trump.

Despite the academic interest, some professors have faced backlash for their courses that reference Trump. One anonymous educator recounted a distressing experience during the first Trump presidency, where the university received numerous complaints, leading to heightened security measures. “I turned on my house alarm during the day,” the professor shared, reflecting on the intense scrutiny faced by those discussing Trump in an academic setting.

Conversely, Richard Lazarus, a law professor at Harvard University, expresses confidence in his course on environmental law under Trump, stating he has “zero” concerns about potential repercussions. “We are not advocates; we are teachers and scholars,” he asserts, emphasizing the importance of equipping students with critical thinking skills.

As the academic world adapts to the realities of Trump’s presidency, new courses continue to emerge, including The People’s Guide to Trumpism at the University of San Francisco and Trump vs. Science at Hampshire College. With each new module, educators strive to foster informed discussions that not only reflect the current political climate but also prepare students for the challenges ahead.