This article reports a quasi-experimental study that assessed whether purposeful political engagement efforts in the general education classroom, coupled with co-curricular programming, enhances student interest in politics and political efficacy. The subjects of the study were students in political science general education courses at a…

This is the second phase of a larger longitudinal research project that explores the development of civic identity (Johnson, 2017). We examined the political dimensions of recent college graduates' civic identities to better understand how they view, construct, and act on the inherent political dimensions of their civic identities. Using…

The traditional way of introducing comparative politics to freshmen, which is through the study of institutions, is contrasted with an alternative approach. An everyday-politics approach compares the daily struggles of global youth--how they cope in times of peace and war, and with issues of wealth and poverty, identity, education and employment,…

The availability of political information throughout society made possible by the evolution of contemporary information communication technology has precipitated conflicting debate regarding the effects of technology use on real life political participation. Proponents of technology argue that the use of new information technology stimulates…

This paper examines whether there is a continued gender gap in the political interest and engagement of first-year college students enrolled in introductory American politics classes. Using data from a survey completed by over 2,000 students at 20 colleges and universities across the United States, we look for variations in students' plans to…

Study tests the proposition that a legislative internship will increase college students' political skill and sophistication. A pre-post test design compared 1980 Tennessee legislative interns with rejected applicants and with three college legislative process classes. Only interns gained in the competencies needed for effective political…

Describes a college course that examines the causes of political participation, the determinants of individual vote choice and the past and future behavior of the American electorate. (RM)

The only way to improve citizen participation in the political system is to renew the commitment to civic education. A successful civic education is one that educates its citizens in the basic principles and precepts of the American system and then keeps them informed. (MLW)

Discusses a 1947 study by Hyman and Sheatsley which investigated the political ignorance of the U.S. public. Examines the 1984 National Election Study, stating that a substantial segment of the U.S. public remains ignorant of political issues. Considers the dangers and implications of political ignorance (know-nothingism) in a democratic society.…

Proposes teaching political philosophy utilizing a model of Socratic discussion. Describes the use of Socratic discourse in a course entitled Contemporary Political Thought. Divides the course into three components: "the man on the street" analysis of issues; the use of social science literature; and philosophical readings on the issues.…

This chapter examines the political science concepts of control, political participation, and representation, focusing on the limits of participation and representation as control devices, especially from the point of view of the individual citizen. The author discusses the question of who controls the schools and then considers in turn some of…

The conventional way of thinking about politics keeps us from studying the important work that citizens must do to achieve political efficacy. Students learn the procedures of government as if politics were a spectator sport. While everyone learns about the politics of government, there is little discussion about the politics of the public. Unless…

This election-education program is designed to help develop an informed electorate and to instill in future voters an appreciation of the importance of the right to vote. It provides a framework for discussions of the electoral process and gives students an opportunity to face the responsibilities and challenges associated with citizenship and…

The purpose of this election-education program is to help develop an informed electorate and to instill in future voters an appreciation of the importance of the right to vote. It provides a framework for discussions of the electoral process and gives students in grades three through six an opportunity to face the responsibilities and challenges…

The concept of alienation is discussed as an internalized state reacting to prevailing social conditions, and political behavior is hypothesized as being its outward manifestation. Purposes of this paper are threefold: (1) produce a new set of data to be used in exploring possible linkages between alienation and political behavior, (2)…