Civics

In an age when civic knowledge is waning—and when social media can instantly spread false information on a grand scale—the study of civics has never been more vital.

The study of civics can help us understand what rights, duties and protections we have as citizens, how government works, and how we can participate in our government to make it work better for the people it represents. 

At a College where open discourse is encouraged, civics teaches students that they can have differences of opinions on society’s pressing issues, but maintain respect for one another. The certificate program in Civics covers multiple disciplines, including political science, history, education and sociology and requires students to experience civic engagement in action through attendance at legislative sessions, ceremonies, workshops and more.

View the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Required Courses:

  • HIST1106 America Since 1877 (H) (HI) 
  • POLSC1201 Introduction to American Government and Politics (SA) (SS) (SJ) 
  • SOC1105 Major Institutions in US Society (SA) (SS) 

Students would also be required to attend two experiences/events and write a one to two-page reflection piece on each event. These reflection pieces would be reviewed by a member of the committee and be a requirement to begin the 4000-level experiential component:

  • Court case
  • Lobbying Day at the State House
  • School Board Meeting
  • Naturalization ceremony
  • Citizenship workshop
  • Legislative session

One of the following:

  • IDS4178 Independent Study (with any member of the Civics program)
  • IDS4194 Internship (within the School of Education, for example, tutoring individuals going through the naturalization process)

Students are encouraged to take a few of the courses from the list below, although none are required.

  • EDUC1111 The Great American Experiment (SA) (SS) (SJ) 
  • HIST1105 America to 1877 (H) (HI) 
  • HIST2105 America since the 1960's (HI) 
  • POLSC2228 State and Local Government
  • POLSC3201 Congress, Representation, and the Legislative Process 
  • POLSC3202 The American Presidency
  • POLSC3607 Constitutional Law

Upon the completion of the Civics certificate, student will:

  • Understand the structure of U.S. government, including the federalist system, the three branches of government, and the Electoral College.
  • Recognize the historical factors that led to the development of the system as it stands, including the role of slavery.
  • Examine how demographics, including gender, race, ethnicity, age, social class, and geography, have historically and through today influenced the system of government.
  • Experience in a hands-on way how all levels of government influence our daily lives.

Explore Emmanuel

Learn More
Nadel Henville '22: Creating Community Takes Center Stage

For Nadel, the stage is her “second home,” and the community she’s found within Emmanuel’s Theater program, a second family. While she originally thought she would pursue college theater as a hobby, she soon realized the work would define her student experience and provide a foundation for life beyond Emmanuel.

Learn More
Gianna Kittle '20: Advocating for Justice

Prior to coming to Emmanuel, Gianna had never heard of the field of sociology, but was very familiar and passionate about issues of crime and justice. Her time at Emmanuel helped her to not only put a name—but also, a purpose—to that passion.

Learn More
Learn More
Jake Hill '20: Seeing Citizenship with a Capitol C

Growing up in a suburban town outside of Boston, going to college in the city had always been a goal for Jake. After touring Emmanuel's campus he felt it had the perfect mixture of “small campus feel and big city appeal.”

Learn More
Melissa Duffy '20: Artist and Appreciator

When Melissa started at Emmanuel, she chose what she believed to be two separate and distinct majors—studio art and history—to fulfill her both her personal and professional interests.

Learn More
Learn More
Learn More
Learn More
Learn More
Featured Faculty: Petros Vamvakas

Petros Vamvakas is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Latin American Studies, Middle East Studies and Peace Studies Programs. His work focuses on security and democratization, as well as issues related to identity and race in politics throughout the Americas. As part of his teaching, he has escorted groups of students to Crete, Greece, and will be bringing a group of students to Cuba.

Learn More
Learn More

Let's Get Started.

Emmanuel is a place where students broaden their sense of what’s possible and prepare for inspiring careers in an ever-changing world. Be here.