what is the polybian society?

The Polybian Society is a branch of GPA, the Government and Politics Association of the University of Pennsylvania. It is a forum for students interested in discussing societal issues. The society was founded in 2013 to provide a non-partisan forum for informal political discussion. We pride ourselves in balancing discussion, debate, and community.

who is polybius?

Polybius was a Greek historian who lived during the second century BC.  His major work, The Histories, is an important historical text covering the rise of the Roman Republic over Carthage and Greece.  He is considered a forerunner of the scholarly study of history for his effort to accurately and objectively describe history.

who can join polybian?

All Penn undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to join!  We recommend joining if you have an interest in politics, current events, or philosophy of any sort.  If you know a lot, come to meetings to share your ideas.  If you don’t know much, come to learn.

Why should i join polybian?

Being an informed citizen in crucial to finding one’s values and getting along in a diverse country. The Polybian Society is a place to discuss important ideas and figure out your own views. In addition to having academic value, Polybian is also a wonderful social group. Lively discussions facilitate informed and lasting friendships.

when/where are meetings?

Symposia take place every Thursday evening at 7:00 PM virtually through Zoom - find the link on our Facebook page. Other events, such as coffee chats with professors, will have locations and times posted several weeks in advance on the calendar and on our Facebook events page.

how can i join?

Joining is easy!  You can start by visiting our Get Involved page. All that is needed is for you to fill out a short interest of membership form, attend our initiation ceremony, and satisfy the dues requirement by either paying dues or waiving the requirement if you have a financial difficulty. Polybian is 100% inclusive and will never include an application or interview process.