Crafting Citizens: Democratic Theory and Civic Education

Catalog description

How should liberal democracies educate members for citizenship? What is the appropriate role of the state in defining an appropriate civic education? Students will develop well-researched normative arguments on civic education policy. Will examine the tension in contemporary democratic theory between value pluralist calls for restraint on the part of the state and a liberal-democratic insistence on the need to promote and sustain allegiance to core values. Will draw on current empirical insights and controversies, will consider ways in which pressing needs for social action to counteract inequitable social dynamics may complicate a normative liberal democratic vision for civic education.