Coloring Inside (and Sometimes Outside) the Lines: Teaching a Course on Gerrymandering and Redistricting at Fairfield University

This article presents an overview of the development and teaching of a course on gerrymandering and redistricting at Fairfield University in the Spring 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters. The course structure and outline, which incorporates documentaries, simulations, guest speakers, and active learning activities, are discussed in detail. The students engage in map portfolio projects and act as consulting groups for state legislatures, gaining practical experience in redrawing maps and analyzing their impact. The article includes feedback from student surveys, highlighting their increased knowledge and interest in gerrymandering, as well as suggestions for improvement. Overall, this article underscores the significance of the course in fostering a deeper understanding of redistricting processes, their impact on democracy and public policy, and innovative ways to get students engaged in their learning through the learning of what can be a niche and esoteric topic.