Should We Teach Civics or Active Citizenship? A New Approach to Teaching

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the promise and pitfalls of a new approach to teaching introductory-level, general education courses in political science. The overall theme emphasizes citizenship education rather than the factual learning of “textbook” political science. Students choose local issues for which they passionately wish to see change, and then they master the skills to effect that change. Final grades rest the success or failure of the project, along with the lessons students learned while pursuing it. Students are strongly encouraged to work in groups toward the success of their projects. This approach is particularly useful in smaller-sized classrooms such as those at smaller liberal arts colleges, regional state universities, community colleges, and “lab” or “discussion” sections of high-enrollment courses at larger universities. We conclude with a plea that such instruction take particular note of students studying to be K-12 teachers. This general education approach aims to inspire future teachers, thus influencing their own teaching after their graduation and career placement.