Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes. (Preface, page vi)
A morally and civically responsible individual recognizes himself or herself as a member of a larger social fabric and therefore considers social problems to be at least partly his or her own; such an individual is willing to see the moral and civic dimensions of issues, to make and justify informed moral and civic judgments, and to take action when appropriate. (Introduction, page xxvi)
Excerpts from Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, edited by Thomas Ehrlich, published by Oryx Press, 2000
CAS civic engagement core reqirement guidelines
This course fulfills the CE core requirement and therefore must adhere to specific guidelines determined by the Center for Civic Engagement. According to these guidelines, CE courses should:
- Serve the common good
- Involve students in experiential learning outside the classroom and the teaching lab
- Engage students with the campus community or the broader world
- Include appropriate orientation, preparation for the project, and opportunity for thoughtful reflection
- Share the results of the project with the campus community through appropriate means devised in consultation with the Center for Civic Engagement
In order to meet the above goals, this course includes the following activities:
- Complete 24 hours of service at one of the sustainability education sites in our community.
- Attend 3 community meetings
- Complete reflective writing and discussion activities