Civil Society and Globalization

AI (artificial intelligence), social media networks, media platforms, globalization, and the internet are radically changing our societies and communities. Class members will watch, read (or listen) to some recent videos and articles about how to understand a world characterized mostly by divisions and polarization, a world often defined as liberal and conservative, left and right, indigenous, national and international. Commentators talk about DEI (diversity, equality and inclusion), critical race theory, wokeness, fundamentalist, etc.  During the zoom sessions, we will review and discuss short passages of the assigned materials, and how what's being described are impacting our lives, now and in the next 10-20 years. 

Les Ozawa, retired from the U.S. civil service, worked for the Army and Navy in public affairs in Honolulu, Alaska, Oregon, California and North Carolina. Not a scholar, he likes to read widely, mostly about culture and history, and