GPSCI 6000 - Civic Engagement in American Democracy

Institution:

Lesley University

Subject:

Description:

3 credits Robert Putnam's 1995 article, "Bowling Alone: America's Declining Social Capital," published in the Journal Democracy sparked A national debate about erosion of norms and networks that form the foundation of a thriving civil society. In the article, Putnam argued that the strength and moral authority of such institutions as neighborhoods, voluntary associations, family, church, and synagogue have been steadily weakened in America. In the wake of the September 11th tragedy in 2001, some argue that the individual and collective responses seen around the country represents A significant example of how we as Americans respond to those in need, challenging the concerns raised by many social scientists that as citizens we have become clients of democracy focused on concerns of self and family. Students will examine the various debates about civic engagement and the principles first observed by Alex de Tocqueville during his visit to America in the midnineteenth century.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.lesley.edu

Phone Number:

(617) 868-9600

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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