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Abstract

In 2011, The United State Department of Education led a national dialogue about strengthening students’ civic learning and democratic engagement as a core component of college study. This resulted in the formation of the National Task Force on Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement, who released their findings and recommendations in a study titled 'A Crucible Moment: College Learning and Democracy’s Future'. Many in the field of higher education are joining this call for higher education to become more engaged in its public purpose and renew its dedication to educating students to “embrace the duties of active citizenship and civic participation”. Adult education and civic engagement have been connected since Benjamin Franklin founded the Junto in 1727. Eduard Lindeman, often considered the elder statesman of adult education, stated “Wherever adult education has been utilized as an instrument of social change…learning has invariably been accompanied by redirection of social aims and values. The complete objective of adult education is to synchronize the democratic and the learning processes” (Brookfield, 1997, p.76-77). Terry Porter's poster session focuses on the creation of an applied sociology course that connects sociological theory to active civic participation and social transformation. This applied sociology course will connect adult students to the communities where they live through service learning.

Publication Date

9-25-2013

Disciplines

Education

Civic Sociology: Connecting Classroom to Community

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Education Commons

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