Network Collaborative Course

Civic Engagement

This course examines historical, philosophical and practical elements of civic engagement while exploring the underlying question of what it means to be an engaged citizen in the 21st century. The course examines notions of personal responsibility, civic duty, political participation (including voting), and social justice. It also examines important elements contributing to civic participation, including race, gender, education, and socio-economic status. It explores modes of community engagement on a number of levels, including governmental (especially local government), not-for-profit, various forms of associational life, and social movements. The course has a local focus, but national and international issues and comparisons will be explored.  The class involves guest lectures, out of class fieldwork, case studies and projects within the framework of analogous classes being offered simultaneously at OSUN partner campuses, including Al-Quds Bard, American University of Central Asia, European Humanities University, Bard College Berlin, as well as with refugee learners from Jordan and Kenya. Students in the course are paired with other OSUN students at different points throughout the semester. The course incorporates diverse perspectives and promotes intercultural dialogue using blended learning formats featuring common texts, virtual lectures, virtual class meetings, and shared assignments that link students and faculty across multiple institutions.  A selection of final projects will be featured in an end of term presentation to the network and students may be eligible for micro-grants through the Open Society University Network. 

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Cross Reference: Course,Education,Network Collaborative Course