Uncovering the Essence of Youth Act: A Critical Gaze Into an Action Civics Curriculum

• In Event: Critical Examinations of Democratic Citizenship in Teacher Education

Abstract

Using the theoretical lens of curriculum as political text (Bowers, 1984; Pinar et al., 2004), this critical discourse analysis examined an action civics curriculum and its attempt to dismantle normative pedagogical practices within civics education. Our analysis of the Youth Act
(Pseudonym) curriculum interrogated the social, political, and dynamic nature of curriculum by
centering context, the positionality of the curriculum’s developers, and the various mediums
constituting the notion of curriculum. Ultimately, our findings revealed a commitment to countering dominant discourses, a shift from civic knowledge to civic action, and an attempt to privilege, while at times limit, student voice and agency.

Authors

• Brooke Blevins, Baylor University

• Nate Scholten, Baylor University

• Karon Nicol LeCompte, Baylor University

• Kevin R. Magill, Baylor University

• Tori Smith, Baylor University