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Frederick W. Mayer,
Dr. Bruce W Jentleson,
Deondra Rose, PhD,
Kenneth Rogerson,
Nicholas Carnes,
Philip Bennett,
Tana Johnson,
and
Bill Adair
So how does the American political system work? Who are some of the key actors? What are key concepts for a student trying to understand what’s going on? How can I as a citizen influence politics?
Civic Engagement in American Democracy takes on these and other key questions. We’re Dr. Nicholas Carnes and Dr. Bruce Jentleson, the principal course instructors. Along with our Duke faculty colleagues who also contributed modules, we’ve designed the course to provide a strong foundational introduction to US politics.
Read more
So how does the American political system work? Who are some of the key actors? What are key concepts for a student trying to understand what’s going on? How can I as a citizen influence politics?
Civic Engagement in American Democracy takes on these and other key questions. We’re Dr. Nicholas Carnes and Dr. Bruce Jentleson, the principal course instructors. Along with our Duke faculty colleagues who also contributed modules, we’ve designed the course to provide a strong foundational introduction to US politics.
Read more
So how does the American political system work? Who are some of the key actors? What are key concepts for a student trying to understand what’s going on? How can I as a citizen influence politics?
Civic Engagement in American Democracy takes on these and other key questions. We’re Dr. Nicholas Carnes and Dr. Bruce Jentleson, the principal course instructors. Along with our Duke faculty colleagues who also contributed modules, we’ve designed the course to provide a strong foundational introduction to US politics.
If you’re new to this material, proceed through the modules one by one and build up your knowledge of politics and government. If some of the material is familiar, go ahead and set your own pace. Either way we hope Civic Engagement in American Democracy helps you be an effective student in more advanced politics courses and/or an engaged citizen in 21st century America.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/80oada/civic
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What's inside
Syllabus
Course Overview and Introduction
Who are the key players?
This week we'll learn who is who in American Democracy.
Read more
Syllabus
Course Overview and Introduction
Who are the key players?
This week we'll learn who is who in American Democracy.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Comprehensive introduction to US politics, giving learners a strong foundation in the subject
Covers key concepts, actors, and processes in American democracy, suitable for both beginners and learners with some prior knowledge
Taught by experienced Duke University faculty, ensuring the credibility and quality of the content
Emphasizes civic engagement, guiding learners on how to actively participate in American democracy
Modular format allows learners to customize their learning pace and focus on specific areas of interest
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Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary
Introduction to american democracy and civic action
According to learners, this course provides a strong foundational introduction to US politics and civic engagement. Many found the content well-structured and presented in an engaging manner, making complex topics accessible. Students particularly appreciated the clarity of the lectures and the expertise of the instructors. While some noted it is a broad overview rather than an in-depth study, most felt it successfully met its goal of helping them become more informed and engaged citizens. It is frequently described as highly recommended for those new to the subject or looking for a solid understanding.
Learn how citizens can get involved.
"The most valuable part for me was learning practical ways citizens can influence politics and engage civically."
"Gave me concrete ideas on how I can be a more active and effective participant in my community."
"I appreciated the focus on *how* to engage, not just *what* the system is."
"Provided practical guidance on civic action."
Instructors are knowledgeable experts.
"The instructors are clearly experts in their field and convey the information with authority and passion."
"I really appreciated the knowledge and perspective the professors brought to the subject."
"The professors were excellent, very knowledgeable and good at explaining things."
"Learned so much from the insights shared by the experienced faculty."
Material holds interest and promotes thought.
"The topics covered were very relevant and presented in an engaging way that kept me interested throughout."
"I enjoyed the mix of historical context and current relevance, making the material very engaging."
"The course was surprisingly engaging and made me think more critically about civic participation."
"Found the content truly engaging and thought-provoking."
Provides a solid base in US politics.
"This course provided a fantastic foundation for understanding the basics of American democracy and how citizens can participate."
"It really helped me build a solid understanding of the key players and structures in the US political system."
"If you're looking for a good introductory course on this topic, this one lays an excellent foundation."
"Gave me a strong base knowledge to explore more advanced topics later."
Videos are easy to follow and understand.
"The content is very clear and easy to understand, presented in a way that makes complex ideas accessible."
"I found the lectures extremely clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along and absorb the information."
"Videos were concise and well-explained, which really helped me grasp the concepts quickly."
"The course content is easy to understand and follow, even if you're new to the subject."
Covers many topics without deep dives.
"It's a great introduction, but be aware that it provides more of a broad overview than deep dives into specific topics."
"While comprehensive in scope, it doesn't go into extreme detail on any single aspect, which is fine for an intro."
"Felt like it covered a lot of ground but sometimes lacked the depth I was hoping for on certain subjects."
"Good general introduction, but don't expect highly detailed analysis of complex issues."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Civic Engagement in American Democracy with these
activities:
Create a Digital Course Repository
Show steps
Organize and store course materials in a central location for easy access and future reference
Show steps
-
Gather all relevant course materials
-
Digitize and organize materials using a preferred platform
-
Create a system for categorizing and labeling materials
-
Make the repository accessible to yourself and others
-
Regularly update and maintain the repository
Review Key Concepts
Show steps
Review the main concepts of American democracy and politics to ensure comprehension
Show steps
-
Recall the structure of American democracy
-
Identify the different branches and levels of government
-
Summarize the roles and responsibilities of different political actors
Attend Political Workshops
Show steps
Engage in interactive workshops led by experts to enhance your knowledge and skills related to American politics
Show steps
-
Research and identify relevant political workshops
-
Register and participate in the workshops
-
Take notes and actively engage in discussions
-
Connect with other attendees and experts
-
Apply the insights gained to your learning
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Facilitate learning by collaborating with peers, exchanging perspectives, and holding each other accountable
Show steps
-
Identify potential study partners
-
Set up regular meeting times
-
Develop a study plan
-
Take turns leading discussions
-
Review notes and share insights
Practice Analyzing Political Issues
Show steps
Enhance analytical skills by examining real-world political issues from diverse perspectives
Show steps
-
Identify topical political articles or news segments
-
Read or watch and take notes on the content
-
Discuss with others to gather different perspectives
-
Analyze the issue and formulate an informed opinion
Create a Political Simulation
Show steps
Deepen understanding by designing and carrying out a simulation of a political process
Show steps
-
Choose a specific political scenario
-
Define roles and responsibilities for participants
-
Set up rules and procedures
-
Run the simulation
-
Debrief and analyze the outcomes
Volunteer as a Course Mentor
Show steps
Provide support and guidance to fellow students, reinforcing your own understanding while fostering a positive learning environment
Show steps
-
Express interest in mentoring
-
Connect with students seeking guidance
-
Offer support and guidance on course materials and concepts
-
Encourage active participation and answer questions
-
Share your own insights and experiences
Create a Digital Course Repository
Show steps
Organize and store course materials in a central location for easy access and future reference
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all relevant course materials
- Digitize and organize materials using a preferred platform
- Create a system for categorizing and labeling materials
- Make the repository accessible to yourself and others
- Regularly update and maintain the repository
Review Key Concepts
Show steps
Review the main concepts of American democracy and politics to ensure comprehension
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Recall the structure of American democracy
- Identify the different branches and levels of government
- Summarize the roles and responsibilities of different political actors
Attend Political Workshops
Show steps
Engage in interactive workshops led by experts to enhance your knowledge and skills related to American politics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify relevant political workshops
- Register and participate in the workshops
- Take notes and actively engage in discussions
- Connect with other attendees and experts
- Apply the insights gained to your learning
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Facilitate learning by collaborating with peers, exchanging perspectives, and holding each other accountable
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify potential study partners
- Set up regular meeting times
- Develop a study plan
- Take turns leading discussions
- Review notes and share insights
Practice Analyzing Political Issues
Show steps
Enhance analytical skills by examining real-world political issues from diverse perspectives
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify topical political articles or news segments
- Read or watch and take notes on the content
- Discuss with others to gather different perspectives
- Analyze the issue and formulate an informed opinion
Create a Political Simulation
Show steps
Deepen understanding by designing and carrying out a simulation of a political process
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific political scenario
- Define roles and responsibilities for participants
- Set up rules and procedures
- Run the simulation
- Debrief and analyze the outcomes
Volunteer as a Course Mentor
Show steps
Provide support and guidance to fellow students, reinforcing your own understanding while fostering a positive learning environment
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Express interest in mentoring
- Connect with students seeking guidance
- Offer support and guidance on course materials and concepts
- Encourage active participation and answer questions
- Share your own insights and experiences
Career center
Learners who complete Civic Engagement in American Democracy will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
In order to understand the political landscape and analyze political trends, Political Scientists need a strong foundation in American democracy. Civic Engagement in American Democracy will help you understand everything from the institutions of government to the political process, and could be the first step toward a career as a Political Scientist.
Legislator
Legislator
Legislators make laws and policies that affect the lives of all Americans, and need to have a strong understanding of the political process. Civic Engagement in American Democracy will help you learn the key concepts you need to know about American democracy, and can help you pursue a career as a Legislator.
Political Consultant
Political Consultant
Political Consultants advise candidates and political organizations on how to win elections, and need to have a deep understanding of the political process. Civic Engagement in American Democracy will help you learn the key concepts you need to know about American democracy, and can help you pursue a career as a Political Consultant.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues, and need to have a strong understanding of politics and government. Civic Engagement in American Democracy will give you the necessary foundation in those subjects, and can help you pursue a career as a Policy Analyst.
Lobbyist
Lobbyist
Lobbyists represent the interests of organizations before government officials, and need to have a deep understanding of the political process. Civic Engagement in American Democracy will teach you the key concepts you need to know about American democracy, and can help you build a career as a Lobbyist.
Campaign Manager
Campaign Manager
Campaign Managers plan and execute political campaigns, and need to have a deep understanding of the political process. Civic Engagement in American Democracy will help you learn the key concepts you need to know about American democracy, and can be a helpful preparation for a career as a Campaign Manager.
Public Administrator
Public Administrator
Public Administrators oversee the operations of government agencies, and need to have a strong understanding of politics and public policy. Civic Engagement in American Democracy will give you the necessary foundation in those subject areas, and can help you pursue a career as a Public Administrator.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists need to have a solid understanding of politics at the local, state, and national levels, because they report on it every day. American Democracy can help you develop the knowledge you need to be familiar with the key players and issues, and help you build a career in journalism.
Government Relations Specialist
Government Relations Specialist
Government Relations Specialists work to build relationships between organizations and government officials, and need to have a strong understanding of politics and public policy. Civic Engagement in American Democracy will give you the foundation you need in those subjects, and can help you pursue a career as a Government Relations Specialist.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations, and often need to have a strong understanding of politics and public policy. Civic Engagement in American Democracy can help you build the foundation you need in those areas, and can help you pursue a career as a Nonprofit Manager.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists work to manage the public image of organizations, and often need to have a strong understanding of politics and public policy. Civic Engagement in American Democracy will give you the necessary foundation in those subjects, and can help you pursue a career as a Public Relations Specialist.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help people navigate social and economic challenges, and often need to have a strong understanding of politics and public policy. Civic Engagement in American Democracy can help build the foundation you need in those subject areas, and can help you pursue a career as a Social Worker.
Lawyer
Lawyer
The knowledge of American law and politics that you gain from Civic Engagement in American Democracy can supplement a law degree, helping you build a career as a lawyer. You will learn about the legal system, the political process, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens, which is essential knowledge to have in any legal field.
Educator
Educator
Educators teach students about a variety of subjects, and many need to have a strong understanding of politics and government. Civic Engagement in American Democracy can help you build the foundation you need in those subjects, and can help you pursue a career as an Educator.
Historian
Historian
Historians study and write about the past, and many need to have a strong understanding of politics and government. Civic Engagement in American Democracy will help you build the foundation you need in those areas, and can help you pursue a career as a Historian.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/80oada/civic
Featured in The Course Notes
This course is mentioned in our blog,
The Course Notes. Read
one article that features
Civic Engagement in American Democracy:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
Reading list
We've selected 29 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Civic Engagement in American Democracy.
Provides a timely and important analysis of the threats to democracy in the 21st century. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing American democracy today.
This classic work provides a historical overview of American political thought and is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the country's political development.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Robert Moses provides a fascinating look at the rise and fall of one of the most powerful men in American history. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the inner workings of American politics.
This scholarly journal publishes cutting-edge research on American politics, providing a valuable resource for students who want to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
This scholarly journal publishes cutting-edge research on political science, including American politics, providing a valuable resource for students who want to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
Save
Comprehensive textbook that provides an overview of the American political system, including its institutions, policies, and processes. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the foundations of American democracy.
Classic work on American democracy. It provides a detailed analysis of the American political system, and it offers insights into the unique character of American society.
Save
This classic work by a French aristocrat provides a unique perspective on American democracy. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the American political system.
Save
Provides a broad overview of the American political system, including the institutions, processes, and policies that shape American politics and government.
Offers a shorter, more accessible introduction to American politics, making it suitable for students who are new to the subject.
Save
Provides a wide-ranging and thought-provoking analysis of the future of democracy. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and opportunities facing democracy in the 21st century.
Save
This newspaper provides daily coverage of American politics and current events, making it a valuable resource for students who want to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
This newspaper provides daily coverage of American politics and current events, making it a valuable resource for students who want to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
Save
This newspaper provides daily coverage of American politics and current events, making it a valuable resource for students who want to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
This collection of essays written by the Founding Fathers provides a historical perspective on the American political system and the principles on which it was founded.
This magazine provides in-depth analysis and commentary on American politics and current events, making it a valuable resource for students who want to understand the latest developments in the field.
Save
This newspaper provides daily coverage of American politics and current events, making it a valuable resource for students who want to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
This popular history of the United States challenges the traditional narrative and gives voice to the marginalized. It good choice for students who want to learn about the darker side of American history.
This magazine provides in-depth analysis and commentary on American politics and current events, making it a valuable resource for students who want to understand the latest developments in the field.
This magazine provides in-depth analysis and commentary on American politics and current events, making it a valuable resource for students who want to understand the latest developments in the field.
This magazine provides in-depth analysis and commentary on American politics and current events, making it a valuable resource for students who want to understand the latest developments in the field.
Provides a historical overview of American political thought and the key figures who have shaped it.
Save
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and it is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the American political system. It sets out the structure and powers of the federal government, and it protects the rights of citizens.
The Declaration of Independence is the founding document of the United States of America. It sets forth the principles of liberty and equality that are the foundation of American democracy.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of politics. It covers a wide range of topics, from political theory to public policy.
This textbook provides a concise and up-to-date overview of American politics. It covers a wide range of topics, from the electoral process to the role of the media.
This textbook provides a clear and accessible introduction to American government. It covers a wide range of topics, from the structure of the federal government to the role of political parties.
Save
This textbook provides a critical analysis of the American political system. It examines the role of money, power, and inequality in the American political process.
Save
Provides a concise and accessible introduction to American politics. It covers a wide range of topics, from the electoral process to the role of the media.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/80oada/civic
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Rating
4.8
Effort
13 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Duke University
Instructors
Frederick W. Mayer
Dr. Bruce W Jentleson
Deondra Rose, PhD
Kenneth Rogerson
Nicholas Carnes
Philip Bennett
Tana Johnson
Bill Adair
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
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Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
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Featured in The Course Notes
Read
one article that features
this course,
Civic Engagement in American Democracy
from our blog, The Course Notes:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
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