Foundations of Community and Civic Engagement

This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of community and civic engagement theory, history, and context beginning at the founding of the United States to the contemporary moment, as well as apply these theories in real world practice within local civic settings. We will also explore how relationships in civil society are strengthened and communication is nurtured among members of society, and how this contributes to a civic identity that promotes socially conscious thought and action within democracies. Students will also critically examine power structures and the concept of privilege as they apply to civic theory and social change, as well as how civic and community leadership intersect with art and technology. We will explore these concepts through the lens of personal and place-based narratives at the local level. The course will examine the values, skills and actions that contribute to a sense of civic identity through assigned readings, lectures, discussions, group activities, community-based learning, field observations, and self-reflection. A central goal of this course is to help students prepare for a lifetime of responsible citizenship and civic engagement. 

This class will meet for five weeks, twice per week on campus Tuesday and Thursdays from 2-4:50pm. A few of our Thursday sessions may be scheduled via Zoom. We will also have an additional 2 hours per week of either asynchronous learning and/or community based field observations. Please also note that field observations will take place outside of class times due to the schedules of community based organizations and local government.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies

4 - Public Administration