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Pathways to Civic Engagement

Miranda Williams

This course will examine the various ways that individuals engage in a democratic society during the 21st century. Students reflect on their involvement, and sense of responsibility to something beyond individual pursuits, and how they can make a difference within the various contexts of neighborhoods, communities, nationally and globally. Exploration of relevant social problems, critical examination and reflection on what it means to be a citizen within these various contexts as well as an examination of personal values and assumptions, assist students in gaining a deeper understanding of themselves relative to the larger social context. This course also provides opportunities for the development of civic skills and values to enhance the student’s capacity to positively impact their community.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: What is Civic Engagement?
In this module, we will be considering key differences between civic engagement and service-learning. We also consider the connections between civic engagement and innovation. Additionally, using our individual resources in the community (what is sometimes called social capital) will be discussed. The role of cooperation, collaboration, and social order within our diverse society will be considered.
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Module 2: Collaborating to Improve Community Outcomes
In this module, collaboration approaches and skills that can be used in groups and in the community are explored. Information on group dynamics and best practices when collaborating with others are also provided. Additionally, cultural diversity and making connections in a diverse society are discussed.
Module 3: Homelessness, Poverty, and Food Insecurity
In this module, engaging in the community to address homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity will be explored as well as ways civic engagement is used to address these issues.
Module 4: Immigration, Refugees, Disabilities, and Mental Health
Many in the United States would describe US immigration as a flawed system. In this module, the past and present state of immigration and refugees will be explored as well as the potential role of civic engagement in addressing problems associated with migration. Additionally, we will discuss disabilities and mental health: what are they, what social stigmas are connected to them, and what is the role of civic engagement in addressing accessibility for all?

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive study of civic engagement which may add color to other disciplines
Teaches skills, knowledge, and tools that are highly relevant to industry and personal growth
Develops civic skills and values to enhance the student’s capacity to positively impact their community
Provides opportunities for the development of civic skills and values to enhance the student’s capacity to positively impact their community
Takes a creative approach to an otherwise established topic, field, or subject
Provides hands-on labs and interactive materials

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Pathways to Civic Engagement. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Pathways to Civic Engagement will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Activist
Activists work to bring about social and political change. This course can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the principles of civic engagement and how to organize and mobilize people to action.
Community Organizer
A Community Organizer works with communities to identify and solve problems that they face. This course can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the concepts of civic engagement and how to collaborate with others to effect change.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. This course can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the principles of civic engagement and how to lead organizations that are working to make a difference in the world.
Community Development Specialist
Community Development Specialists work to improve the quality of life in communities. This course can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the role of civic engagement in community development.
Urban Planner
Urban Planners work to improve the quality of life in cities and towns. This course can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the role of civic engagement in shaping communities.
Politician
Politicians represent the interests of their constituents in government. This course can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the role of civic engagement in the political process.
Fundraising Manager
Fundraising Managers oversee the fundraising efforts of organizations. This course can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the role of civic engagement in fundraising.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies to inform decision-making. This course can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the role of civic engagement in shaping public policy.
Grant Writer
Grant Writers help organizations secure funding for their programs and projects. This course can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the role of civic engagement in fundraising.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists help organizations manage their public image. This course can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the role of civic engagement in public relations.
Lawyer
Lawyers represent clients in legal matters. This course can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the role of civic engagement in the legal system.
Teacher
Teachers help students learn about the world around them. This course can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the role of civic engagement in educating young people.
Journalist
Journalists inform the public about important issues. This course can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the role of civic engagement in a democratic society.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people navigate problems that are rooted in societal structures and interpersonal relationships. This course may be useful for Social Workers because it can help them understand the root causes of social problems and how to work with communities to address them.
Event Planner
Event Planners organize and manage events. This course may be useful for Event Planners because it can help them understand how to plan and execute events that are meaningful and engaging for participants.

Reading list

We've selected eight 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 Pathways to Civic Engagement.
Examines the decline of civic engagement in the United States and argues that it serious threat to our democracy. Putnam provides a wealth of data to support his argument and offers some suggestions for how we can reverse this trend.
Explores the downside of having too many choices. Schwartz argues that too much choice can lead to paralysis, anxiety, and unhappiness. He provides a wealth of research to support his argument and offers some suggestions for how we can make better choices.
Explores the psychology of morality. Haidt argues that there are six fundamental moral foundations that shape our political and religious beliefs. He provides a wealth of research to support his argument and offers some suggestions for how we can bridge the moral divide.
Memoir of one woman's year-long quest to find happiness. Rubin tries out a variety of different strategies to improve her happiness, and she shares her findings in this book. While not directly related to civic engagement, this book can provide some insights into the importance of happiness and well-being.
Guide to finding happiness and fulfillment in life. The Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler offer their insights on how to overcome obstacles, find inner peace, and live a more meaningful life.
Explores the psychology of mindset. Dweck argues that our mindset has a profound impact on our success. She provides a wealth of research to support her argument and offers some practical tips for how we can develop a growth mindset.
Classic guide to personal and professional success. Covey offers seven habits that he believes are essential for success. While not directly related to civic engagement, this book can provide some valuable insights into how to be more effective in all areas of your life.

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