HSOC-301B: Designing Democracy

This course will challenge students to explore the past, present, and future of democratic participation and civic engagement. Students will learn about how US elections have changed over time through analyzing the history of voting rights, civil rights, ballot technologies, media representation, and power. With knowledge partners from across the political spectrum, students will conduct primary research to learn about the contemporary landscape of civic participation in the LA metro area, envision the role design can play in the election process, and build frameworks and strategies for the future. Creative projects will invite public engagement in the political process through the creation of campaigns, collateral, systems, experiences, spaces (and more!) aimed at increasing voter participation in and beyond California.