Civics and Community Engagement

Credit Hours: 2 (2 Theory)

Course Description

This course introduces students to the principles of civics and community engagement. It fosters an understanding of citizenship, democracy, and governance, while encouraging students to actively contribute to their communities. Through lectures, discussions, and a community project, students will apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, promoting civic responsibility and social impact.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Explain the fundamental concepts of civics, democracy, and governance.
Identify the rights, duties, and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic society.
Analyze societal issues and propose community-based solutions.
Demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills in addressing civic challenges.
Reflect on the role of civic engagement in fostering social justice and global citizenship.

Mapping of CLOs to Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

CLOs	Relevant PLOs
Explain the fundamental concepts of civics, democracy, and governance.	Knowledge (PLO 1)
Identify the rights, duties, and responsibilities of citizens.	Critical Thinking (PLO 2), Lifelong Learning (PLO 12)
Analyze societal issues and propose community-based solutions.	Problem Solving (PLO 3), Ethical Practices (PLO 9)
Demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills.	Teamwork (PLO 5), Communication (PLO 10)
Reflect on civic engagement in fostering social justice and global citizenship.	Social Responsibility (PLO 8), Global Perspective (PLO 7)

Weekly Course Plan

Week 1: Introduction to Civics

Topics: Definition of civics, citizenship, and civic responsibility.
Class Activity: Group discussion on the role of citizens in society.
Assignment: Write a 1-page essay on what being an active citizen means.

Week 2: Principles of Governance and Democracy

Topics: Basic structure of government and democratic principles.
Class Activity: Group discussion on the importance of democracy.
Assignment: Research a government structure and its impact on citizens.

Week 3: Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens

Topics: Rights, duties, and responsibilities of citizens.
Class Activity: Case study on citizens’ rights and responsibilities.
Assignment: Analyze a local issue related to citizens’ rights.

Week 4: Community Engagement Frameworks

Topics: Overview of community engagement models.
Class Activity: Discuss examples of successful community engagement.
Practical Task: Plan a community engagement activity for the class.

Week 5: Volunteerism and Service Learning

Topics: Benefits and ethics of volunteerism.
Class Activity: Brainstorm volunteer opportunities in the local community.
Assignment: Volunteer for a community project and write a brief report.

Week 6: Social Justice and Advocacy

Topics: Social justice concepts and advocacy strategies.
Class Activity: Debate on a social justice issue.
Assignment: Research a local advocacy organization and its impact.

Week 7: Leadership in Civic Engagement

Topics: Leadership styles in community projects.
Class Activity: Role-play a leadership scenario in a community project.
Assignment: Reflect on a community leader and their impact.

Week 8: Midterm Review and Exam

Topics: Review key concepts and principles.
Exam: Written midterm exam covering the first 7 weeks.

Week 9: Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding

Topics: Techniques for resolving conflicts and promoting peace.
Class Activity: Role-play a community conflict resolution scenario.
Assignment: Write a report on a local conflict and propose a resolution.

Week 10: Civic Engagement through Technology

Topics: Digital tools for civic participation and activism.
Class Activity: Discuss the role of social media in civic engagement.
Practical Task: Develop a simple digital campaign for a local cause.

Week 11: Measuring Impact of Community Engagement

Topics: Methods for assessing community project success.
Class Activity: Analyze the effectiveness of a community project.
Assignment: Write an impact assessment for a community project.

Week 12: Global Citizenship

Topics: The concept of global citizenship and its relevance today.
Class Activity: Group discussion on global challenges and local solutions.
Assignment: Write a 1-page reflection on global citizenship.

Week 13: Community Project Planning

Topics: Steps for planning and executing a community project.
Class Activity: Group work on planning a community service project.
Practical Task: Finalize a community project plan.
Community Project Introduction: Discuss the requirements and expectations for the community project, which will be carried out in the next few weeks.

Week 14: Presentation of Community Projects

Practical Task: Present the community engagement project to the class.
Feedback: Peer and instructor evaluation of projects.

Week 15: Course Review and Reflection

Topics: Recap of key concepts and discussion on course takeaways.
Class Activity: Group reflection on what students learned throughout the course.
Assignment: Submit a final reflection on the community project experience.

Week 16: Final Exam

Topics: Review and final exam covering the entire course content.

Community Project Details:

Objective: Students will engage in a real-world community service project, applying the principles and skills learned in the course.
Project Guidelines:
1. Identify a local community issue or cause that aligns with the course themes.
2. Plan and implement a service-learning project, which could involve volunteering, organizing a campaign, or collaborating with local organizations.
3. Work in teams (if applicable) to execute the project and collect data or feedback on its impact.
4. Present the project to the class, including the process, challenges, and outcomes.
Project Deliverables:
1. Project Proposal (Week 13): A detailed plan outlining the objectives, steps, and timeline of the project.
2. Community Engagement Report (Week 15): A report documenting the project’s execution, impact, and reflections.
3. Project Presentation (Week 14): A presentation summarizing the project and its outcomes.