Civic Leadership (CIV)

Students will examine how democratic systems function (and sometimes falter) at the local, state and national levels. Through a combination of seminar discussions, deliberation exercises, guest speakers and experiential learning opportunities - including field trips to Richmond and Washington, DC, local government meetings and community forums - students will explore the real-world mechanics that civic leaders must navigate to make democracy work. As part of a residential learning community, students will engage in collaborative projects, practice deliberative dialogue in their residence halls and develop the civic skills necessary for meaningful participation in American democracy. By the end of the semester, students will not only understand the machinery of democratic governance but also see themselves as active contributors to its ongoing maintenance and improvement.

Addressing growing cynicism and distrust in government today calls for active citizen civic leaders. Framed and guided by James Madison's legacy, civic leadership involves learning key skills to foster collaboration across differences, embracing complexity in decision making and in dialogue with others, and valuing pragmatic solutions that advance the common good. In many ways, this is the antithesis of what we see from contemporary national political leaders, making this class important for students wanting to engage deeply and meaningfully improve the civic health and participation of their communities.

Working with the civic leadership minor coordinator and a faculty advisor, students will complete a 3-6 credit civically engaged leadership internship and report. The internship is designed to provide an academic context for performing and analyzing off-campus work in government, public service, and non-profit settings. Utilizing knowledge, theories, dialogue, and collaboration methods and skills gained in CIV 300, students will assess and reflect on their internship experience in real time by writing weekly structured reflections.

Working with the civic leadership minor coordinator and a faculty advisor, students will complete a 3-6 credit civically engaged research or creative project. This course is designed to provide an academic context for conducting academic research or developing a creative project in civic leadership. Utilizing knowledge, theories, dialogue, and collaboration methods and skills gained in CIV 300, students will design and complete a supervised research project or creative project.