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Archive: 2021 (32 Posts)

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Visualizing “Our Common Purpose”

Posted by: Andrew Breiner

This is a guest post by Lee Ann Potter, Director of Professional Learning and Outreach Initiatives at  the Library of Congress Center for Learning, Literacy, & Engagement. “Our Common Purpose—A Campaign for Civic Strength at the Library of Congress,” a wealth of activities at the Library this spring. The theme, chosen by Danielle Allen, winner …

Sweeping view from the floor of a great room, looking upwards past marble columns and arches to a grand golden-colored dome

Nahuatl Passion Plays in the Colonial Era: An Interview With Louise Burkhart

Posted by: Andrew Breiner

Louise M. Burkhart is Professor of Anthropology at the State University of New York at Albany as well as Jay I. Kislak Chair for the Study of the History and Cultures of the Early Americas at the John W. Kluge Center. Andrew Breiner: Could you start by telling me a little about your background and …

Sweeping view from the floor of a great room, looking upwards past marble columns and arches to a grand golden-colored dome

Wrestling with the Question of American Identity and Whether Consensus is Possible

Posted by: Andrew Breiner

On May 13, the John W. Kluge Center held a panel discussion on the changing interpretations of the nation’s founding principles, with the goal of illuminating a shared vision of the United States and its history for Americans across the spectrum of political beliefs. The full event is now available to view. Kluge Prize Winner …

Sweeping view from the floor of a great room, looking upwards past marble columns and arches to a grand golden-colored dome

Watch: Scientist Ainissa Ramirez on How Materials Shape Us

Posted by: Andrew Breiner

On April 22 the Kluge Center released a Kluge Book Conversation with materials scientist and writer Ainissa Ramirez, author of “The Alchemy of Us: How Humans and Matter Transformed One Another.” In it, Ramirez examines eight inventions that introduced major changes to the way people live. The Kluge Center’s Dan Turello interviewed Ramirez on her …

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Kluge Center Announces New Chairs in 2021

Posted by: Andrew Breiner

The John W. Kluge Center is pleased to announce four new Chairs beginning their time in residence in 2021. David Baron holds the Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology, Exploration, and Scientific Innovation. Baron is a journalist, author, and broadcaster who has worked as a science correspondent for National Public Radio and …

Sweeping view from the floor of a great room, looking upwards past marble columns and arches to a grand golden-colored dome

Why Reforming Electoral Institutions Might Be the Best Way to Change Policymaking

Posted by: Andrew Breiner

On April 15, the John W. Kluge Center held its second event in the Our Common Purpose Series with Kluge Prize winner Danielle Allen. How Political Institutions Shape Outcomes and How We Might Reform Them convened a panel of experts on the ways that electoral decision-making systems can encourage some outcomes over others. They also …

Sweeping view from the floor of a great room, looking upwards past marble columns and arches to a grand golden-colored dome

Is Civic Media an Antidote to a Polarized World?

Posted by: Andrew Breiner

The concept of ‘civic media’ was discussed in academic circles before the rancorous political and media fights of the last few years. But only in the last few years, as polarization, disinformation, and the impact of social media have become central concerns in public life, has it become more broadly considered as a possible solution. …

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Is Civic Media the Solution to Trolls, Misinformation, and Abuse Online?

Posted by: Andrew Breiner

On March 11, the John W. Kluge Center held its first public event in the Our Common Purpose Series with Kluge Prize winner Danielle Allen. Using Civic Media to Build a Better Society brought experts on the use and misuse of media together to discuss the role of information in democratic society, the difficulties of …

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Part 2 – Sarah Binder Weighs In: Institutional Hardball – in Congress and the White House – and the legislative road ahead

Posted by: Andrew Breiner

This is part two of  a guest post by Janna Deitz, Kluge Center Program Specialist in Outreach and Partnerships. Find the first post here. Sarah Binder is the most recent Kluge Chair in American Law and Governance, Professor of Political Science at George Washington University, and senior fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution. …