Civic Literacy and Engagement -
Instructions: Write a four-page paper that answers the questions below. The Exam is worth up to 100 points.
The writing style should follow the Political Science method (double space your pages, add a cover sheet with your name, number the pages, use parenthetical citations with an additional bibliography page). You may use any resources necessary (except Dr. Pettenger) to answer the questions, but need to document your sources. You do not need to use any sources outside of what has been assigned and discussed in the class. If you work with another class member, write your own answers.
The process of civic engagement should promote "civic literacy," as "the knowledge and ability capacity of citizens to make sense of their political world" [emphasis added](Milner 2002, 1). Milner argues that there are "two aspects of citizenship as measurable dimensions of civic literacy: ability manifesting itself in the form of political knowledge, and willingness in the form of political participation" (ibid, 1). He statement implies that knowledge acquisition is not sufficient; a will to act is required as well.
Answer the questions below based on the course readings (in particular the Levine book) and course assignments.
1. Discuss the legitimacy of the quote above. Do you agree with the quote? Why or why not? As part of your answer include a discussion of why and how you would increase Civic Engagement and Renewal in the United States today.
Reference:
Milner, Henry (2002) Civic Literacy: How Informed Citizens Make Democracy Work, Hanover, NH: University Press of New England.