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The Far Right

$100.00

Authoritarianism. Fascism. White supremacy. Anti-gender movements. Nativism. Or maybe more broadly: the far right. Whatever you’ve heard it called, right-wing political movements pose an urgent threat to democracy and civil rights. This course offers a clear, accessible introduction to the contemporary far right in the United States, helping participants understand where these movements come from, what they believe, and how they shape our lives.

This six-week course is organized around four contemporary case studies that illustrate how right-wing movements have gained influence and reshaped American politics.

  1. Anti-Trans Movements: explore how gender diversity has been framed as a social threat; examine recent legislation targeting trans youth.

  2. Anti-Immigrant Movements: examine how narratives of invasion, crime, and national security are used to justify restrictive immigration laws and expanded policing.

  3. “Culture Wars” in Education: trace contemporary battles over curriculum, book bans, parental rights, and Christianity in schools. Explore how the far-right seeks to shape the education system into a weapon to reproduce right-wing political beliefs.

  4. Disinformation and Media Ecosystems: examine right-wing media ecosystems, exploring how disinformation circulates and shapes public opinion.

  5. Abortion Access and Reproductive Politics: examine contemporary threats to reproductive freedom through exploration of fetal personhood legislation, threats to IVF and other reproductive technologies, and criminalization of women who miscarry

  6. Responding to the Right: explore strategies for responding to—and resisting—right wing movements

Through each case study, we will particular attention to two dynamics. First, we will consider that right-wing narratives rarely arrive by saying “hello, we are here to oppress you and take away your rights.” Instead, they claim that they are providing necessary protection—of women, children, families, or the nation itself—that is necessary to create a safe society.

Second, we will center the recurring unwillingness of the mainstream political establishment to take right-wing movements at their word when they articulate authoritarian goals. For years, for instance, the promise to overturn Roe v. Wade and restrict abortion access was dismissed as an unrealistic campaign talking point—even as legal infrastructure was being built to make it possible. Across each case study, participants will examine how this pattern of minimization and disbelief has enabled right-wing movements to advance their agendas, often catching institutions and the public unprepared when even the most clearly stated goals are realized.

Virtual Seminars: Dates will be set collaboratively according to everyone’s schedules. Seminar takes place in March/April.

  • Anti-Trans Movements

  • Immigration, ICE, and the Police State

  • Educational Politics and Privatization

  • Disinformation and Media Ecosystems

  • Abortion Access and Reproductive Politics

  • Responding to the Right

Enrollment is limited to maintain the intimacy and rigor of discussion. Dates are flexible; these are here as placeholders. When we are fully enrolled, we will work with participants to find the best available date.

Authoritarianism. Fascism. White supremacy. Anti-gender movements. Nativism. Or maybe more broadly: the far right. Whatever you’ve heard it called, right-wing political movements pose an urgent threat to democracy and civil rights. This course offers a clear, accessible introduction to the contemporary far right in the United States, helping participants understand where these movements come from, what they believe, and how they shape our lives.

This six-week course is organized around four contemporary case studies that illustrate how right-wing movements have gained influence and reshaped American politics.

  1. Anti-Trans Movements: explore how gender diversity has been framed as a social threat; examine recent legislation targeting trans youth.

  2. Anti-Immigrant Movements: examine how narratives of invasion, crime, and national security are used to justify restrictive immigration laws and expanded policing.

  3. “Culture Wars” in Education: trace contemporary battles over curriculum, book bans, parental rights, and Christianity in schools. Explore how the far-right seeks to shape the education system into a weapon to reproduce right-wing political beliefs.

  4. Disinformation and Media Ecosystems: examine right-wing media ecosystems, exploring how disinformation circulates and shapes public opinion.

  5. Abortion Access and Reproductive Politics: examine contemporary threats to reproductive freedom through exploration of fetal personhood legislation, threats to IVF and other reproductive technologies, and criminalization of women who miscarry

  6. Responding to the Right: explore strategies for responding to—and resisting—right wing movements

Through each case study, we will particular attention to two dynamics. First, we will consider that right-wing narratives rarely arrive by saying “hello, we are here to oppress you and take away your rights.” Instead, they claim that they are providing necessary protection—of women, children, families, or the nation itself—that is necessary to create a safe society.

Second, we will center the recurring unwillingness of the mainstream political establishment to take right-wing movements at their word when they articulate authoritarian goals. For years, for instance, the promise to overturn Roe v. Wade and restrict abortion access was dismissed as an unrealistic campaign talking point—even as legal infrastructure was being built to make it possible. Across each case study, participants will examine how this pattern of minimization and disbelief has enabled right-wing movements to advance their agendas, often catching institutions and the public unprepared when even the most clearly stated goals are realized.

Virtual Seminars: Dates will be set collaboratively according to everyone’s schedules. Seminar takes place in March/April.

  • Anti-Trans Movements

  • Immigration, ICE, and the Police State

  • Educational Politics and Privatization

  • Disinformation and Media Ecosystems

  • Abortion Access and Reproductive Politics

  • Responding to the Right

Enrollment is limited to maintain the intimacy and rigor of discussion. Dates are flexible; these are here as placeholders. When we are fully enrolled, we will work with participants to find the best available date.

Course Description

Logistics & Registration

Format: Meets once per week for 3 hours on Zoom for 4 weeks (live, discussion-based).

Capacity: 7–15 participants max to maintain an intimate learning environment.

Structure: Reading- and discussion-based; participants are expected to complete assigned readings between sessions.

Reflections: Participants are asked to email a brief reflection after each class to cultivate a closer, more engaged relationship with the instructor and enhance discussion in subsequent sessions.

Certificate of Completion: Participants who attend all sessions and submit their reflections will receive a Certificate of Completion acknowledging their engagement in the seminar. This is not academic credit, but a record of your participation and learning.

Pricing & Access:

A $100 non-refundable deposit reserves your spot. This deposit is applied toward your chosen tier price, and the remaining balance is due two weeks before the first session in order to receive the Zoom link and syllabus.

Tier Price Who it’s for / How to think about it

Premium $550 ($450 after deposit) Participants who can comfortably pay more and are willing to subsidize the space for others.

Standard $450 ($350 after deposit) Typical rate for most participants who can pay but not at the top tier.

Accessible $350 ($250 after deposit) Participants with limited financial resources.

Scholarship: One spot is covered by scholarship per course; please inquire and explain your need in the attached form. Scholarship recipients still must pay the required $100 deposit to secure their spot.

FAQ

1. Do I need prior knowledge or expertise?
No! These seminars are designed for curious, engaged participants, not for people who already “know everything.” Your questions, reflections, and perspectives are what make the discussion rich.

2. What is expected of participants?
Participants should complete the assigned readings, attend each live session, and submit a brief reflection after each class. This reflection is a short email or note to help you process ideas, answer any questions that came up for you in class, and foster a closer engagement with the seminar and instructor.

3. How large are the seminars?
Each seminar is limited to 7–15 participants, ensuring an intimate and interactive environment where everyone can contribute.

4. What is the format?
Seminars meet once per week for 3 hours on Zoom. Sessions are discussion-based and encourage active participation.

5. How does the pricing work?
We use tiered pricing ($350–$550) so participants can choose a price that fits their financial situation. One scholarshipped spot is also available for applicants who would otherwise be unable to participate.

6. What is the registration process?
A $100 non-refundable registration fee is required to hold your spot. The remaining balance is due one week before the first session, when you will receive the Zoom link.

7. What if I can’t attend a session?
We ask that you commit to attending all sessions. Because seminars are small and discussion-based, missing a session can disrupt the flow. If you anticipate a scheduling conflict, please contact the instructor before registering.

8. I’m nervous I’m not “smart enough.” Should I still apply?
Yes! These seminars are about curiosity, engagement, and reflection, not prior knowledge or experience. Participants with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences are what enrich our conversations. 

9. Are these seminars suitable for professionals, students, or lifelong learners?
All of the above! The seminars are designed for anyone who wants to engage deeply with the material, whether you’re in school, working professionally, or learning independently.

10. Can I get a certificate or academic credit?

Participants who attend all sessions and submit reflections will receive a Certificate of Completion acknowledging their engagement. This is not formal academic credit, but it provides a record of your participation and learning.