CCE program featured as case study in AAC&U series on civic learning
The Association of American Colleges and Universities
(AAC&U) recognizes the Maxwell School’s Citizenship and Civic Engagement
program as a leader among programs that intentionally and successfully
integrate civic responsibility in their majors. The CCE program is one of 12
departments at institutions across the country featured as online
case studies of how to structure the design, expectations, and experiences
for their majors to achieve greater civic impact while deepening students’
learning in the discipline.
“CCE was thrilled when AAC&U chose to include us as a
case study,” said Anne Mosher, chair of the program and professor of geography.
“As a collection, the cases highlight a shared commitment to bringing theories
of citizenship into civic practice in some way. They also help us see clearly
the value-added of being in the Maxwell School, where deliberative and
participatory citizenship and our commitment to interdisciplinary
evidence-based social science research shine.”
The case study provides an in-depth look into the CCE
curriculum that centers on Maxwell’s signature, team-taught MAX courses and
resulting Action Plan. It also explains the process that led to the development
of the CCE major, the internal and external factors that influenced the
process, evidence of impact, and words of advice to those seeking departmental
redesigns.
The CCE program itself is relatively new to the Maxwell
School, though themes of citizenship and civic engagement have coursed
throughout the School for more than 80 years. The program saw its first
graduating class in May 2016. The CCE major culminates in the Civic Engagement
Action Plan Workshop, where students select and analyze a real-world problem,
develop an idea to address it, and work with decision makers from a government,
nonprofit, or business organization to take action. Channeling civic engagement
into real impact is the ultimate point.
Kate Canada, CCE program coordinator, said the experience
was eye opening. “It was great to see the amazing work happening around the
country and how our program, and our students, fit into a culture of civic and
community engagement throughout the United States.” She added, “It is easy to
forget that we are part of a national movement to engage and education the next
generation of leaders. Being a part of this exciting project will give our
students and faculty an even great network to learn from and connect with
across the country.”
02/21/18