IN PERSON: How can a state be represented by Jesse Helms and John Edwards at the same time? How can that state elect Donald Trump and Roy Cooper in the same year? How does it rank 43rd in K-12 education and first as a place to do business? And why is one street a city-maintained road while the next street over belongs to the state? In this course, we will address questions like these by delving into North Carolina’s political and governmental history. We will look at how the state’s political DNA makes it one of the nation’s foremost purple swing states. And we’ll look into our crystal balls to see where this growing, changing state is headed, especially after the historic 2024 election. The course will be presented in 10 lecture-style sessions, with plenty of opportunity for discussion and questions. | Lecture + Q&A.
Max enrollment: 50.
Location: Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham NC 27705
Mike Woodard has been a student of and participant in North Carolina politics and government for 50 years, working for campaigns before he was a teenager. He served in the state Senate for 12 years and on the Durham City Council for seven years. He has held leadership roles on issues related to healthcare, transportation, energy and the environment, and was honored with Legislator of the Year awards by 15 different organizations. He holds degrees from Duke in economics and political science.