New Minor: Civic Engagement & Responsibility

Illinois State University and State Farm are collaborating to provide students an opportunity to receive training in the fields of Civic Engagement and Social Leadership. Illinois State is the first public higher education institution in the State of Illinois to acknowledge Civic Engagement & Responsibility as a minor, where students are required to complete a course in Civic Responsibility.

 

In teaching civic engagement at Illinois State University, we strive to develop civically responsible individuals who embrace their membership in communities and society by owning social issues and working to be a part of the solution, which requires ethical and civic judgments and interventions when appropriate. Illinois State University’s values are at the core of this minor as students will prepare to participate in social change as well as develop an awareness of personal social responsibility.

This 21 hour minor is intended to prepare students to actively engage in their citizenship. The interdisciplinary minor is open to all students of any ideological viewpoint and can be positively matched with any major as a way to broaden the student’s learning experience and career perspectives. There are three core courses (IDS125, IDS398.02, & POL101) leaving four electives comprised of courses from across disciplines. IDS125 Foundations of Citizenship: An Introduction to Civic Responsibility is a new gateway course that will provide a broad overview and understanding of civic engagement. IDS398.02 Professional Practice: The Service Learning Experience in Civic Engagement is a new professional practice course which is a culmination of the minor as the student engages in some aspect of service learning in the community. POL101 Citizenship and Governance is an existing course that prepares students for their roles as citizens within the structure of our society.

A civically educated individual:

1) gains a sense of self-awareness as a citizen,

2) actively participates in community service,

3) develops an appreciation of diversity,

4) comprehends the interdependence within communities, 

     societies, and the world,

5) grows an understanding of the democratic process,

6) displays critical thinking within the arena of democratic

     conversations and social issues,

7) becomes effective at problem-solving and change, and

8) is able to personally integrate reflection on service, social

     issues, and course content.

This minor will provide students with opportunities to sharpen critical analysis, skill development, and personal reflection as well as substantive opportunities to study and perform civic engagement in their communities.