Ludwitt
Foundation Level
Introduction to Civic Studies (CIV101)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the interdisciplinary field of civic studies. Students will explore core concepts of citizenship, civic identity, and the various approaches to understanding civic life in contemporary societies.
Learning Objectives
- Define and analyze core concepts in civic studies
- Identify major theoretical approaches to understanding citizenship and civic life
- Examine how civic identity is formed and expressed in diverse contexts
- Evaluate the historical evolution of citizenship across different societies
- Apply civic concepts to contemporary social and political issues
Course Modules
Module 1: Foundations of Civic Studies
- The field of civic studies: history and development
- Citizenship as a multidimensional concept
- The role of the citizen in democratic societies
- Civic literacy and civic competence
- Interdisciplinary approaches to studying civic life
- Key terms and concepts in civic discourse
Module 2: Citizenship in Historical Context
- Ancient models of citizenship (Greek and Roman)
- The evolution of citizenship through medieval and early modern periods
- The emergence of modern citizenship with nation-states
- Expansion of citizenship: suffrage movements and civil rights
- Post-national citizenship and globalization
- Contemporary challenges to traditional citizenship
Module 3: Theories of Citizenship
- Liberal conceptions of citizenship
- Republican and communitarian perspectives
- Critical and feminist approaches
- Multicultural citizenship theories
- Cosmopolitan citizenship
- Digital citizenship in the information age
- Indigenous perspectives on citizenship and belonging
Module 4: Civic Identity and Participation
- Formation of civic identity
- Multiple and intersecting identities in civic life
- Forms of civic participation and engagement
- Civic spaces: public, private, and digital
- Social capital and civic networks
- Obstacles to participation and inclusion
- Youth civic development and socialization
Module 5: Contemporary Civic Issues
- Democratic backsliding and civic resilience
- Civic implications of economic inequality
- Climate change as a civic challenge
- Migration, borders, and belonging
- Technological change and civic futures
- Civic education and democratic renewal
- Global citizenship and transnational civic action
Key Assessments
- 1.Civic Concept Analysis (20%)
Critical analysis of a key concept in civic studies and its applications
- 2.Citizenship Timeline Project (25%)
Visual and analytical representation of citizenship evolution in a specific context
- 3.Civic Issue Brief (25%)
Analysis of a contemporary civic challenge using course frameworks
- 4.Civic Identity Exploration (30%)
Reflective project exploring personal and collective civic identities
Required Resources
Primary Textbooks
- Levine, P. (2013). We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For: The Promise of Civic Renewal. Oxford University Press.
- Kymlicka, W., & Norman, W. (2000). Citizenship in Diverse Societies. Oxford University Press.
Supplementary Readings
- Selected articles on civic studies and citizenship theory
- Case studies on civic identity and participation
- Contemporary analyses of civic challenges
Dimensions of Citizenship
| Dimension | Key Features | Example Manifestations |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | Rights and duties conferred by formal membership in a political community | Passports, voting rights, legal protections, taxation |
| Political Practice | Active participation in governance and collective decision-making | Voting, advocacy, public deliberation, protest |
| Civic Identity | Psychological sense of belonging to a political community | National/local pride, civic values, collective memory |
| Social Inclusion | Equal recognition and respect within the civic sphere | Cultural recognition, accessibility, representation |
| Civic Competence | Knowledge, skills, and dispositions for effective civic participation | Civic literacy, critical thinking, communication skills |
Citizenship Explorer
Interactive tool to explore historical and contemporary models of citizenship across different societies.
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Civic Identity Mapper
Visualize how different elements of civic identity intersect and influence civic engagement.
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Global Citizenship Index
Compare different approaches to citizenship across countries and political systems.
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Course Schedule
| Week | Topic | Assignments |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Civic Studies | Concept mapping exercise |
| 2-3 | Historical Evolution of Citizenship | Citizenship timeline project |
| 4-6 | Theories of Citizenship | Theoretical analysis paper |
| 7-9 | Civic Identity and Participation | Civic identity exploration |
| 10-12 | Contemporary Civic Issues | Civic issue brief |