Building a Civic Ethos from Scratch

• In Event: Leaning into Politics: Educating for Democracy in a Tough Political Climate

Abstract

In describing the sorry of civic education in the United States, A Crucible Moment (2012) calls upon higher education to return to its civic roots by integrating civic education and engagement in all dimensions of campus life. This book sparked a national movement to intentionally engage students in democratic processes. Many of the ideas generated by civic education advocates overlap with AAC&U’s High Impact Practices, including student leadership, internships, application of classroom lessons, and more. Of course, such efforts will be more successful when they have the support of the administration and can tap into an existing civic ethos. However, what happens when the administration is conflicted about promoting civic engagement and the campus lacks a civic ethos? How can an advocate create a supportive environment from scratch? This paper is a case study of the author’s efforts to create a civic ethos at a large Midwestern, R-1 institution with a STEM focus and where the traditional liberal arts, where civic education normally resides, occupies a secondary position. The chapter will discuss effective strategies for starting and building a campus civic ethos and finding allies.

Author

• Karen M. Kedrowski, Iowa State University