Civic and community engagement are essential components of American culture and identity, and they have historically been included in justifications for education at all levels. Use A Crucible Moment as well as other material from the readings to write an essay of 500 to 750 words (2 to 3 pages). In your essay:
Summarize the arguments for why civic and community engagement should be included in higher education.
Describe at least three reasons or justifications for incorporating civic and community engagement into students college experiences and education.
Discuss at least one of the challenges or threats to democracy and democratic culture (low participation, low engagement, lack of trust in government, etc.) that civic and community engagement is meant to address.
Discuss how civic and community engagement in education are important for maintaining and strengthening democracy. Be sure to explain the connection between civic and community engagement and the health and strength of democracies.
Your essay should be double-spaced and should use Times New Roman 12-point font, with 1-inch margins on all sides. Be sure to proofread your essay carefully. Cite your sources appropriately using standard MLA format.
Required Readings and Videos
The National Task Force on Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement. A Crucible Moment: College Learning and Democracy’s Future. Association of American Colleges and Universities, 2012.
For Democracys Future: Education Reclaims Our Civic Mission (Part 1). YouTube, uploaded by The Obama White House, 10 Jan. 2012.
For Democracys Future: Education Reclaims Our Civic Mission (Part 2). YouTube, uploaded by The Obama White House, 10 Jan. 2012.
Gruber, Anne Marie. Community Engagement in Higher Education: Online Information Sources. College & Research Libraries News, vol. 78, no. 10, 2017, pp. 563566.
