Civility in America: What It Is, How We Lost It, and Why We Need to Get It Back (Best of OLLI)

Civility in America: What It Is, How We Lost It, and Why We Need to Get It Back (Best of OLLI)

Darren Zook
Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM (PT)
Price: $75.00
46 slots available
Zook_Civility_SP25_BOO_800-1.png

Lurking underneath divisive partisanship in the United States is a fundamental problem that threatens the very fabric of the country: the loss of civility in political discourse. While many call for the restoration of civility, where do we start? This course explores three fundamental questions: What is civility? How did we lose it? And why do we need it back?


Faculty Bio

Darren Zook teaches in political science and global studies at UC Berkeley. His areas of interest include comparative politics, human rights, international law, and cybersecurity. He has received numerous teaching awards for his creativity in the classroom, and most recently was named as one of the “Top Ten Most Inspiring Professors at UC Berkeley” by the journal College Magazine. He has lectured all around the world and has traveled extensively in the course of his professional work. Zook has published six books, and is currently at work on a research project involving the politics of ice in the era of climate change.


This is a Best of OLLI Course

  • Best of OLLI subscription courses are popular courses recorded a previous term
  • Videos are available the moment you sign up through May 31 in Member Dashboards. Learn more.
  • Accessible to Annual Plus, Premium Plus, Best of OLLI and Fee Assistance members. Learn about membership.
  • Current Annual and Premium members can upgrade to Annual Plus or Premium Plus for an additional $10

Member Praise for Darren Zook

Dr. Zook is one of the best teachers I've ever had and I'm 80!

Darren Zook is an amazing teacher. He's a well-organized, extremely knowledgeable, and always engaging.

I have taken several classes with Darren Zook and will take several more. His scope and depth of knowledge is extraordinary. And he is able to communicate it effectively and effortlessly. 


Faculty Q&A