Civic Engagement in American Democracy
Learn key concepts of US politics and how citizens can influence the democratic process in this beginner-friendly course.
Learn key concepts of US politics and how citizens can influence the democratic process in this beginner-friendly course.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the American political system and civic engagement. Designed for beginners and those seeking to refresh their knowledge, it covers the fundamental aspects of US democracy, key political actors, and ways citizens can influence the political process. The curriculum is structured into three main sections: identifying key players in American democracy, understanding how these players fit together within the political system, and exploring methods for citizen participation. Participants will learn about the roles and functions of various governmental institutions, including the legislature, presidency, courts, and bureaucracy. The course also examines the influence of media, political parties, interest groups, and social movements. Additionally, it delves into crucial concepts such as the Constitution, federalism, globalization, and structural inequality. The final section focuses on practical ways citizens can engage in the political process, including staying informed, voting, contacting elected officials, protesting, and participating in advocacy campaigns. Through a combination of video lectures, readings, and quizzes, learners will gain a solid foundation in American politics and develop the knowledge needed to be informed and active citizens.
4.8
(96 ratings)
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What you'll learn
Understand the roles and functions of key institutions in American democracy
Identify the influence of media, political parties, and interest groups on the political process
Explain the basic structure of the US government, including federalism and the Constitution
Analyze the impact of globalization and structural inequality on American politics
Describe various methods of civic engagement, including voting and contacting elected officials
Evaluate the effectiveness of different forms of political participation, such as protesting and advocacy
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
134 Minutes PreRecorded video
21 quizzes
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
FullTime access
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There are 4 modules in this course
This course offers a comprehensive overview of the American political system and civic engagement. It begins with an introduction to the key players in American democracy, including the legislature, presidency, courts, and bureaucracy. Students will learn about the roles and functions of these institutions, as well as the influence of media, political parties, interest groups, and social movements. The course then explores how these various elements fit together within the broader political structure, covering topics such as the Constitution, federalism, globalization, political accountability, and structural inequality. The final section focuses on practical ways citizens can engage with and influence the political process. This includes strategies for staying informed, the importance of voting, methods for contacting elected officials, the role of protest in democracy, and participation in advocacy and political campaigns. Throughout the course, learners will develop a deeper understanding of how American democracy functions and gain the knowledge needed to be informed and active citizens.
Course Overview and Introduction
Module 1 · 1 Minutes to complete
Who are the key players?
Module 2 · 6 Hours to complete
How do the players fit together?
Module 3 · 3 Hours to complete
How do citizens influence politics?
Module 4 · 3 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
Payment options
Financial Aid
Instructors
Deondra Rose is an Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Political Science at Duke University, specializing in the feedback effects of landmark social policies on the American political landscape.
Eugene C. Patterson Professor of Public Policy Studies and Journalism at Duke University
Philip Bennett is the Eugene C. Patterson Professor of the Practice of Public Policy Studies and Journalism at Duke University. He served as the managing editor of The Washington Post from 2005 to 2009, overseeing a staff of 800 journalists and contributing to the paper's collection of ten Pulitzer Prizes during his tenure. Previously, he was the foreign editor for six years, during which the international reporting team won multiple awards, including two Pulitzer Prizes. Bennett's journalism career began in 1982 at The Lima Times in Peru before moving to The Boston Globe, where he covered significant events in Latin America, including wars in Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala. He later became the Globe’s foreign editor. Between 2011 and 2013, while on the Duke faculty, he was also the managing editor of FRONTLINE, a public affairs television series on PBS. At Duke, Bennett teaches courses on journalism related to national security secrecy, media coverage of Islam, narrative journalism, and war reporting. He is also the director of the Rutherfurd Living History Program and has lectured on the future of journalism and new media projects.
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4.8 course rating
96 ratings
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