ERIC Number: ED272256
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1986-Feb-26
Pages: 15
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Civic Education in the Community College. Working Paper Series No. 1-86.
Higginbottom, George H.
A program in civic education is or should be at the heart of general education in community colleges. Citizenship education is congruent with the mission of the community college in that it is a practical enterprise leading to self-governance; it is integrative, using a variety of cognitive skills, attitudes and knowledge; it is community relevant; and it enhances career development. By adopting a conception of general education that inclines toward the notion of education for democratic participation, community colleges can contribute to the process of political socialization and better fulfill their obligation to the community which is their source of support. Advantages of civic education for community college students include the possibilities of reducing political power differentials; addressing social issues of importance to a "late bloomer" student population; and developing a sense of community among students. Objections to mandated programs in civic education focus on the curriculum constraints imposed on the community college. Issues of freedom versus constraint, individualism versus social obligation, and vocationalism versus liberal learning need to be resolved before such a prescriptive model of general education can be adopted. Civic education programs in community colleges contribute to the quality of community life and further the commitment to democratic values and practices which is the aim of the community college. (LAL)
Publication Type: Opinion Papers; Collected Works - Serials
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Broome Community Coll., Binghamton, NY. Inst. for Community Coll. Research.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A