Civic Engagement: Student as Citizen

The course provides a platform to connect student leaders from around the globe and build their capacity to work on solutions for social issues by contextualizing their own leadership experiences within a transnational framework.  Exploring historical, philosophical, and practical elements of civic engagement, students will consider the underlying question of what it means to be an engaged citizen in the early 21st century.  Focusing on issues related to political participation, civil society, associational life, social justice, and personal responsibility, the class balances the study of theoretical notions of civic life while empowering students to be active participants in the communities in which they are situated. 

Taking advantage of the international diversity of the faculty and students, the course reflects on the causes of social, political, economic, and environmental issues and explores potential solutions through a series of lectures, workshops, discussions, and reflections.  Together students will learn how to articulate their responsibilities toward their local, national, and global communities to help “foster a sense of the “we” and encourage them to bring their talents, viewpoints, and skills to community work” regardless of the local context.  The course enhances the skills and knowledge of students to help them become engaged citizens. 

This is an intensive, eight-day course where student leaders from around the globe will strengthen their skills, knowledge, and understanding of civil society; expand their understanding of global threats to civil society outside of their own communities and share experiences and learn from their international colleagues.  Students must demonstrate engagement in community work through student-led initiatives, community-based work, or other leadership experience.