One of the signature events of the second Year of Discourse and Dialogue is an All Angles program addressing the topic of polarization, which has been identified in the most recent student survey as a major concern about today’s society.

“Overcoming Polarization Beginning with How We Think” — presented in partnership with the Center for Markets and Governance in the Graduate School of Public & International Affairs and the Institute of Politics’ Elsie Hillman Civic Forum — will be held from 3:45 to 6:45 p.m. Oct. 10 in the William Pitt Union, Lower Lounge.

The event will explore ways to overcome polarization. Ilana Redstone, associate professor in sociology at the University of Illinois, will discuss her new book, “The Certainty Trap: Why We Need to Question Ourselves More and How We Can Judge Others Less.”

In her book, Redstone states, “Avoiding the Certainty Trap is a necessary first step toward having the conversations that we so desperately need. It is how we move toward seeing each other as fellow citizens rather than enemies to destroy — something that democracy itself requires us to do.”

This program agenda begins with a special meet the author session reserved for students only beginning at 3:45 p.m. There will be food and free copies of Redston’s book, and  thought-provoking and challenging roundtable, student-focused exercises.

The second half of the agenda begins at 5:10 p.m. and is open to everyone including students, faculty, staff and the public. It will feature a fireside discussion with Redstone about her approach to overcoming polarization through the avoidance of the Certainty Trap.

A Zoom link will be made available for both sessions for students at the Johnstown, Greensburg, and Bradford campuses. Learn more about the program and register at the Institute of Politics website.