Introduction to Political Citizenship from Coursera

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to political citizenship from both a theoretical and empirical perspective, with a particular emphasis on its participatory dimension. Participants will engage with fresh teaching materials, alongside insightful interviews and case studies, thanks to contributions from researchers in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Geneva as well as international experts on political participation, citizenship, and migration. The various components of the MOOC offer a diverse and well-rounded approach to understanding citizenship.

Citizenship consists of membership in a political community and involves both rights and duties, including the duty to actively engage with and contribute to that community. It also entails addressing the challenges encountered by specific groups, such as migrants and young people, in relation to their citizenship status, rights, and participation. This course aims to offer a deeper comprehension of the features and complexities of citizenship in today's globalized world, while also fostering the development of critical thinking.

Whether you are already familiar with the notion of citizenship or not, this course offers you fresh insights into some of the key contemporary challenges surrounding citizenship and their far-reaching social impacts on citizens.

What's inside

Syllabus

Theories of Citizenship

This module will provide you with the basic theoretical tools for the entire course. You will discover how the concept of citizenship has come into being, the values that can justify different views of citizenship and its components (membership, rights, participation). Together, we will examine how citizenship can hold diverse meanings and implications for various groups, such as migrants, young people and the unemployed. After completing the module, you will be able to identify various models of citizenship and understand the impact of being a citizen on people's lives, both in general and within democracies.

Citizenship and Participation

This module focuses on the participatory dimension of citizenship from a general point of view. You will discover the various forms of political participation (electoral and non-electoral, voting and social movements), how they have evolved over time, and how they help to define the outline of citizenship in contemporary societies. We shall touch upon, amongst other, concepts such as "active citizenship" and "participatory citizenship". After completing this module, you should be able to identify the main issues related to the relationship between citizenship and political participation.

Citizenship and Migration

This module examines the conceptual and practical connections between citizenship and participation in the field of migration. You will discover how the conceptions and institutional practices of citizenship, as seen in the first module, shape the migration field and how they relate to both discourses and actions that influence the degree of political inclusion of immigrant groups. You will gain familiarity with the historical emergence of integration policies and observe how these relate to collective mobilization and individual participation in migration politics. The module will allow you to assess key determinants of the political inclusion of immigrants in contemporary democracies. After completing this module, you should be able to identify the main issues related to the relationship between citizenship and political participation with respect to migration politics.

Youth Citizenship

This module examines the conceptual and practical connections between young citizens and political participation. You will discover how young people are seen in the public sphere and how they challenge the conceptions of citizenship. Specifically, you will understand how young people relate to both discourses and actions pertaining to young people, and how this affects their political inclusion. Moreover, you will gain familiarity with the social and political inclusion of young people, how and under what circumstances young people are socialized to the public life, and how they relate to collective mobilization and individual participation. After completing this module, you should be able to identify the main issues related to the relationship between citizenship and young people.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers core topics in citizenship such as theories, participation, and migration, which is standard in courses about political citizenship

Taught by recognized experts Marco Giugni, Eva Fernandez G.G., Valentina Holecz, and Michele Bocchiola in the field of political participation, citizenship, and migration

Develops theoretical tools for understanding citizenship, which is useful for understanding citizenship across disciplines

Examines citizenship in a globalized world, which is highly relevant to current events

May require additional background knowledge in political science or international relations, which could be a barrier for some students

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 Introduction to Political Citizenship with these activities:

Review key concepts from previous coursework or textbooks on citizenship

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Refreshing your knowledge will help you build a stronger foundation for understanding the course material.

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Identify key concepts from previous coursework or textbooks.
Review your notes or the original material.
Summarize the key concepts in your own words.

Follow online tutorials on citizenship and related topics

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Tutorials can provide you with additional insights and perspectives on different aspects of citizenship.

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Identify reputable sources for online tutorials.
Choose tutorials that cover specific topics or skills that you want to improve.
Follow the instructions in the tutorials carefully and take notes.

Join a study group or online forum to discuss citizenship concepts

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Engaging in discussions with peers can help you gain different perspectives and improve your critical thinking skills.

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Find a study group or online forum related to citizenship.
Participate actively in discussions and share your insights.
Listen to other participants' views and ask clarifying questions.

Four other activities

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Complete practice problems in textbooks or online platforms

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Practice problems will help you reinforce your understanding of the course concepts and their application in different scenarios.

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Identify the key concepts and theories related to citizenship.
Solve practice problems that test your understanding of these concepts.
Review your answers and identify areas where you need further study.

Conduct a survey or interview to gather data on citizenship and participation in your community

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Conducting a research project will allow you to apply your knowledge and gain hands-on experience in studying citizenship.

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Design your survey or interview questions.
Identify your target population and recruit participants.
Collect and analyze your data.
Interpret your results and draw conclusions.
Present your findings to your classmates or community members.

Write a blog post or article on a specific aspect of citizenship

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Writing about citizenship will help you deepen your understanding of the topic and organize your thoughts.

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Choose a specific aspect of citizenship that you want to write about.
Research the topic thoroughly using credible sources.
Develop an outline for your blog post or article.
Write your blog post or article, ensuring clarity and organization.
Proofread your writing for errors and share it with others for feedback.

Create a presentation on the challenges to political participation in different contexts

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Creating a presentation will allow you to synthesize your knowledge and effectively communicate the complexities of political participation.

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Gather information about the challenges to political participation in different contexts.
Organize your information into a logical flow.
Create visual aids to support your presentation.
Practice delivering your presentation.
Present your findings to an audience and be prepared to answer questions.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Political Citizenship will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Political Scientist

Political Scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. They examine the distribution and exercise of power and the political behavior of individuals and groups. Introduction to Political Citizenship can provide a solid understanding of the theoretical and empirical aspects of political citizenship, which is essential for Political Scientists to analyze and interpret political systems effectively.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study human society and social behavior. They examine the structure and dynamics of social systems, including the political system. Introduction to Political Citizenship can provide Sociologists with a comprehensive understanding of the concept of citizenship, its historical development, and its contemporary challenges, enabling them to analyze and interpret social phenomena more effectively.

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Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts research, analyze, and evaluate public policies to inform decision-making. They examine the impact of policies on citizens and society. Introduction to Political Citizenship can provide Public Policy Analysts with a deep understanding of the role of citizenship in policymaking and the challenges faced by different groups in participating in the political process.

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Political Consultant

Political Consultants advise political candidates and organizations on campaign strategy and public relations. They help shape political messages and strategies to influence public opinion and voting behavior. Introduction to Political Citizenship can provide Political Consultants with insights into the motivations and behaviors of citizens, enabling them to develop more effective campaign strategies.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. They provide information to the public about political issues and events. Introduction to Political Citizenship can provide Journalists with a strong foundation in the concepts and theories of citizenship, enabling them to report on political issues with greater depth and accuracy.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. They specialize in various areas of law, including constitutional law, immigration law, and human rights law. Introduction to Political Citizenship can provide Lawyers with a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework surrounding citizenship and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They develop and implement programs, manage staff, and raise funds. Introduction to Political Citizenship can provide Nonprofit Managers with a strong understanding of the role of citizenship in civil society and the challenges faced by marginalized groups in participating in the political process.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with communities to identify and address social and political issues. They facilitate dialogue, mobilize resources, and advocate for change. Introduction to Political Citizenship can provide Community Organizers with a deep understanding of the concept of citizenship and the challenges faced by different groups in participating in the political process.

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Educator

Educators teach students about a variety of subjects. They develop lesson plans, grade assignments, and provide feedback to students. Introduction to Political Citizenship can provide Educators with a comprehensive understanding of the concept of citizenship and its historical development, enabling them to teach about these topics in a more engaging and informed way.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and assistance to individuals and families facing social, economic, and psychological challenges. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and community centers. Introduction to Political Citizenship can provide Social Workers with a deep understanding of the role of citizenship in social welfare and the challenges faced by marginalized groups in accessing resources and services.

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Civil Rights Activist

Civil Rights Activists work to promote and protect the civil rights of all citizens. They organize protests, lobby policymakers, and educate the public about civil rights issues. Introduction to Political Citizenship can provide Civil Rights Activists with a comprehensive understanding of the history and evolution of civil rights in the United States, as well as the challenges faced by marginalized groups in exercising their rights.

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Human Rights Advocate

Human Rights Advocates work to promote and protect human rights around the world. They document human rights violations, advocate for policy changes, and provide support to victims of human rights abuses. Introduction to Political Citizenship can provide Human Rights Advocates with a deep understanding of the international human rights framework and the challenges faced by individuals and groups in exercising their rights.

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Policy Advisor

Policy Advisors provide advice to policymakers on a variety of issues. They research, analyze, and evaluate policy options, and make recommendations on how to address public problems. Introduction to Political Citizenship can provide Policy Advisors with a strong understanding of the political process and the challenges faced by policymakers in developing and implementing effective policies.

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Political Organizer

Political Organizers work to mobilize people to participate in the political process. They recruit volunteers, organize events, and develop campaign strategies. Introduction to Political Citizenship can provide Political Organizers with a deep understanding of the concept of citizenship and the challenges faced by different groups in participating in the political process.

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Government Relations Specialist

Government Relations Specialists represent the interests of organizations before government agencies. They monitor legislation, meet with policymakers, and advocate for policies that benefit their clients. Introduction to Political Citizenship can provide Government Relations Specialists with a deep understanding of the political process and the role of citizenship in influencing government decision-making.

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