Civics

This class explores the foundations of American government and how our system of democracy works. Although not required as a prerequisite, those having already completed American History will find this course to be the logical continuation of the study of our national heritage. Dissecting the dynamics that led to the call for American independence and the history behind the great documents of our nation’s founding—the Declaration, the Articles of Confederation, The Federalist Papers, the Constitution—are essential to being able to discuss and evaluate our present social and political landscape. Famous speeches, newspaper articles, political cartoons, and other selected documents are used to make the course come alive. Story-telling of famous and not so famous incidents is a cornerstone of the pedagogy. Students are challenged to analyze arguments, movements, and political slogans.