BridgeOU is the Ohio University chapter of the national organization BridgeUSA , which seeks to dismantle political polarization. We engage with people from various viewpoints and seek to help others listen to understand instead of listening to respond or attack another person for their viewpoints. Ideological diversity is important, and the goal of the BridgeUSA Ohio University chapter is to promote it to increase civil dialogue.

BridgeOU’s inaugural event is Western Canon: Keep it, forget it, or change it? The Western canon is the body of high culture literature, music, philosophy, and works of art that is highly valued in the West: works that have achieved the status of classics. The canon of books has been fairly stable, although it has very recently expanded to include more women and racial minorities. Recently, the increase in racial and gender equity dialogues nationally and internationally, provides an opportunity for critical reflection of the Western canon. This event will feature a moderated panel of four incredible Ohio University faculty members to discuss Western Canon and its relevance in our education with the current times. The panel includes Dr. Kevin Mattson, Professor of Contemporary History; Dr. Beth Quitslund, professor of English; Dr. Charles Smith, retired Ohio University professor and playwright; and Dr. Kathleen Sullivan, Associate Professor of Political Science. Following the panel, there will be time to ask questions.

Registration Link:  https://ohio.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ac1Mxw1VttIqhrE