MODULE: CIVIC EDUCATION

CODE: SCM1013
WEEK: 1

INTRODUCTION TO THE MODULE

LECTURER: CYRIL SESAY

 To enhance
To promote To To foster a
students' To develop
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understand students'
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ing of the ability to
rights and ty and
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nt to
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, and the issues.
society. activities. civic life.
rule of law.
Module Objectives

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

• Explain the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law.

• Identify the structure and functions of government at local, national, and international levels.
• Analyze the rights and responsibilities of citizens in various contexts.
• Evaluate current social, political, and economic issues from a civic perspective.
• Demonstrate the ability to engage in informed discussions and debates on civic matters.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior in civic participation by recognizing and adhering to moral and
legal principles.
• Participate actively in community service and civic duties.
 Week 1

Introduction to Civic Education

Civic education is a cornerstone of a healthy and informed society. It
empowers individuals to understand their rights and responsibilities
as citizens and participate actively in their communities.

Civic Education is a module designed to equip students with the

knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become informed, active,
and responsible citizens.

The module focuses on understanding the structures, functions, and

processes of government and civic institutions, the rights and
responsibilities of citizens, and the principles of democracy and social
justice.
What Is Civic Education?
What Is Civic
Education?
Civic education is a process of learning about the rights,
responsibilities, and values of a democratic society. It equips
individuals with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be active
and engaged citizens. It encompasses various aspects of civic life,
including government, law, history, and current events.

Understanding Fulfilling
Rights
Civic education helps Responsibilities
It encourages individuals to
individuals understand their fulfill their civic
fundamental rights, such as responsibilities, such as
the right to vote, freedom of paying taxes, obeying laws,
speech, and freedom of and participating in the
Active
assembly. political process.
Engagement
Civic education fosters a sense of civic duty and encourages
individuals to engage in their communities through
volunteering, advocacy, and political participation.
Elements of Civic Education
What are the Elements of Civic Education?
Elements of Civic Education

Civic education encompasses three key elements that work

together to empower individuals to be active citizens.

1 Civic Knowledge 2 Civic Skills

Knowledge about the Skills such as critical

history, government, and thinking, communication,
legal framework of a and problem-solving
society. necessary for active civic
engagement.
3 Civic Disposition

The values, attitudes, and beliefs that motivate individuals

to participate in civic life.
Civic Knowledge
Civic knowledge encompasses understanding the history,
institutions, laws, and values of a society. It involves learning about
the different branches of government, the electoral process, and the
rights and responsibilities of citizens.
1 History
Understanding the historical context of a nation's civic
institutions and the evolution of civic rights and
responsibilities.

2 Government
Learning about the structure and functions of different
levels of government, including the legislative, executive,
and judicial branches.

3 Laws
Understanding the legal framework that governs a society,
including the Constitution, statutes, and regulations.

4 Values
Recognizing the values that underpin a democratic
society, such as liberty, equality, and justice.
Civic Skills
Civic skills are essential for individuals to effectively participate in civic life. These skills enable individuals to
analyze information, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively.

Critical Thinking Communication Problem-Solving

Analyzing information, identifying Expressing ideas effectively, Identifying problems, proposing

biases, and forming informed listening actively, and engaging in solutions, and working
opinions.
• Evaluating sources of respectful dialogue. collaboratively to find solutions.

• Identifying
informationbiases and • Writing persuasive letters • Researching community

• fallacies
Forming logical arguments • Public speaking • Developing
issues proposals
• Engaging in constructive • Collaborating with others
conversations
Civic Disposition
Civic disposition refers to the values, attitudes, and beliefs that motivate individuals to be active citizens. It
includes a sense of responsibility, empathy, and a commitment to serving others.

Responsibility Empathy Commitment

A sense of duty to contribute to Understanding and caring about A dedication to serving others and
the well-being of the community. the needs and perspectives of making a positive difference.
others.
 Importance of Civic
Education
Civic education is vital for a healthy and thriving democracy. It
empowers individuals to participate in the political process,
address community issues, and contribute to the betterment of
society. Civic education encourages individuals to
Promotes Active actively participate in their communities,
Citizenship society, and the political process. Informed
and engaged citizens are more likely to
vote, join community organizations, and
advocate for positive change.
Strengthens A well-informed citizenry is essential for
the functioning of a democratic society.
Democracy
Civic education helps citizens understand
the principles and workings of democracy,
ensuring they can make informed decisions
at the ballot box and hold their elected
representatives accountable.
 Importance of Civic
Education
Civic education is vital for a healthy and thriving democracy. It
empowers individuals to participate in the political process,
address community issues, and contribute to the betterment of
society. Civic education encourages critical
Fosters Critical
Thinking thinking and the ability to analyze and
evaluate information. This is vital in an
era of misinformation and fake news,
as it equips citizens to discern fact
from fiction.
It educates individuals about their
Teaches Rights and rights as citizens and their
Responsibilities corresponding responsibilities..

Civic education promotes the

Encourages values of tolerance and respect for
Respect for diversity. It teaches citizens to
Diversity appreciate the perspectives of
others, thereby reducing social
tensions and promoting social
cohesion.
Conclusion
Civic education is essential for a healthy and thriving democracy.
By equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values to
be active citizens, we can create a more informed, engaged, and
just society.

Voting Dialogue
Participate in elections and Engage in respectful
choose representatives. conversations about civic
issues.

Volunteer Advocate
Contribute to your community Speak out on issues that are
through volunteer work. important to you.
 CLASS DISCUSSION

Should civic education be a lifelong

learning process, and how can adults
continue to be engaged in civic
education?
REFERENCE

• Barber, B.(1992). An Aristocracy of Everyone; The Politics of Education

and the Future of America. New York: Ballantine Books.
• Bellah, R.N., Madsen, R., Swidler, A., & Lipton, S.M.(1985). Habits of
the Heart: Individualism and Commitment in American Life. Berkeley,
CA: University of California Press.
• Bennett, W.J.(1992). The De-Valuing of America: The Fight for Our
Culture and Our Children. New York: Simon and Schuster.
• Bennett, W.J.(1993). The Book of Virtues; A Treasury of Great Moral
Stories. Edited, with commentary, by Bennett, W.J. New York: Simon
Schuster.
 THANKS

I SEE YOU NEXT WEEK