Institute of American Civics to Launch First Undergraduate Degree Program
The Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs
Beginning this fall, University of Tennessee, Knoxville students can major in Civic and Constitutional Thought through the Institute of American Civics (IAC) following approval from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
UNI hosts regional workshop exploring history's role in civic education
Inside UNI (July 29, 2026)
The University of Northern Iowa recently welcomed history faculty from across the Midwest for a two-day workshop examining the role of history education in preparing engaged citizens and future educators.
An Overview of Civics in Higher Education
Peter Levine in Peter Levine Substack (May 29, 2026)
On April 10, the Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University and the Alliance for Civics in the Academy (ACA), with support from GBH, held a one-day national summit on civics in higher education. All day, we heard from leaders of exemplary programs that emphasize various combinations of community engagement, academic coursework, and research and experimentation on democracy.
Civic Education News Roundup: Talking about ICE, engaging students in local government, and big grant awards.
Joanna Kenty in The Renovator (January 27, 2026)
This edition of the roundup highlights current challenges and opportunities in civic education, including how educators can navigate difficult topics like immigration enforcement in classrooms while promoting civil discourse. It also emphasizes engaging students in local government, expanding civic learning initiatives, and major new funding efforts supporting civic education and humanities programs nationwide.
The Informed Observer
Alejandro Ramos in The Informed Observer
A Substack newsletter exploring civic culture, democratic participation, and public discourse.
Course Examines Complex Dynamics of Social Cooperation
Stanford Report (December 9, 2025)
In the political science class Justice, students investigate how collaboration shapes a pluralistic society and the challenges involved in fairly distributing benefits and burdens.
Civic Education News Roundup: the Semiquincentennial, Gen Z Civic Vibe Check, and successes in civil dialogue.
Joanna Kentry in Democracy 101 (December 1, 2025)
Step Outside the Ivory Tower, Professors. Your Democracy May Depend on It.
Joanna Kentry in Democracy 101 (October 30, 2025)
The Alliance for Civics in the Academy is bringing together a nationwide network of college faculty devoted to teaching citizenship.
Seminar Explores Historical Roots of American Conservatism
Stanford Report (June 24, 2025)
Peter Berkowitz’s Stanford course Varieties of Conservatism explores the evolution of the conservative movement and its distinct, sometimes conflicting, factions and ideas, fostering a politically diverse classroom where students engage in good faith with opposing perspectives.
Academic Leaders Explore Ways to Enhance Civic Thought in Higher Education
The Hub at Johns Hopkins University (June 6, 2025)
A conference co-hosted by Johns Hopkins University and the American Enterprise Institute raises challenges and solutions for cultivating informed and engaged citizens through university-level civic education.
Yale Launches Center for Civic Thought to Promote Thoughtful Discourse
Yale News (May 27, 2025)
Yale’s new nonpartisan center will encourage students to engage in civic thinking that integrates various forms of knowledge and informs their practical judgments as citizens.
Stanford Students Learn to Lead with Civic Courage
Stanford Report (April 25, 2025)
Led by political scientist Josiah Ober, the Stanford Civics Initiative aims to inspire democratic citizenship through courses and programs focused on civics education.
Josh Ober’s Mission to Revitalize Democracy and Civic Education
Stanford Report (April 25, 2025)
Through his scholarship and leadership in initiatives like the Stanford Civics Initiative and the Alliance for Civics in the Academy, Stanford professor and Hoover Institution Senior Fellow Josh Ober aims to revitalize American democracy by cultivating effective and informed citizens.
What Exactly Is A Republic Anyway?
The Harvard Gazette (March 4, 2025)
Harvard professor Daniel Carpenter’s popular course “What Is a Republic?” explores the historical evolution and defining features of republics–from ancient Rome to modern systems–and urges Americans to consider whether the U.S.’s blend of representative governance, institutional accountability, and mixed governmental forms still upholds those republican ideals.
