America’s National Parks: Live Classes

Colorful thermal pool at Yellowstone with steaming water, walkways, and many tourists visiting in a national park.

Political scientist Harold Lasswell once defined politics as “who gets what, when, and how.” America’s national parks provide a perfect case study!

In 1916, the National Park Service was established with two sometimes-conflicting mandates: “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife and to provide for the enjoyment of the same.” Politics decides how the two mandates are balanced, as well as how outside forces like climate change affect the parks.

A tranquil scene in Yosemite of a river with clear reflection, surrounded by dense green trees, with tall mountains in the background. A waterfall descends from the mountains into the river, and the sky is partly cloudy.

Should snowmobiles be allowed in Yellowstone even if they disturb the wildlife? Should parks require reservations to limit the damage caused by huge crowds? What can be done about the pythons in the Everglades? Politics influences the answers to each of the questions.

Our live online classes meet twice a week on Zoom. Offline readings, videos, and activities help students prepare for class discussions. Class attendance is strongly encouraged but videos of each class session will be posted for students who are unable to attend class that day.

A natural rock formation known as Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, Utah, consisting of a large, freestanding arch-shaped sandstone rock set against a mountainous landscape with a partly cloudy sky.

Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-3:20 ET.

The first day of class is August 25, 2026.

The final class will be December 17, 2026.

$400 for the 16 week course.

Register for America’s National Parks Classes Now

Complete the form below to register for American’s National Parks - Live Classes.

You will receive an invoice via email. Payment options include PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and all major credit cards.

A deposit of $100 is required to reserve your seat in the class. The balance is due by August 17, 2026.

The first day of class is August 25, 2026.