GOVT111C CM - Democratic Education in America

Americans generally agree that knowledge of government is a requirement of citizenship, yet polls continually show that most are unable to answer basic questions about the Constitution. This course explores what Americans should know about government and where they fall short of civic expectations. We ask whether democracy requires an active and informed citizenry, what kind of knowledge we might want democratic citizens to have, and how citizenship and governance might be taught. The course includes interviews and discussions with civic educators, and a community engagement project aimed at putting into practice the ideas we develop over the semester.

Prerequisites: GOVT 020 CM or instructor permission.

Offered: Every other year

Credit: 1

Course Number: GOVT111C CM