Spring 2026
Civic Engagement and Social Action
Dates: January 27, 2026 - May 19, 2026Day/Time: Tuesday; Thursday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST
Level: 100-Level
Certificate: Civic Engagement
Instructor: Bonnie Goad, Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob, Bard College
What does it mean to be engaged with your community? What can students participating in civic engagement projects learn from others in places like Haiti, Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh and the United States? This course will examine historical, philosophical and practical elements of civic engagement while exploring the underlying question of what it means to be civically engaged in the early 21st century. Together, students will explore issues related to political participation, civil society, associational life, social justice, and personal responsibility, as well as how issues like race and socio-economic status impact civic participation. The class reflects a balance between study and practice of engagement which includes interrogating theoretical notions of civic life while also empowering students to be active participants in the communities in which they are situated. The culminating project asks students to propose a civic engagement project in their home or local community. Speakers and workshops will be offered by civic leaders, government officials, global not-for-profit leaders, and volunteers from communities across the globe. This course will feature workshops, lectures and seminar discussions that include students taking the same course across the GHEA21 network.
Credits: 4 US / 8 ECTS