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Degrees & Certifications
Certificate in Civic Education and Public Advocacy
About the Certificate
Goals for Students
Learning Objectives for Students
Curriculum Requirements
About the Certificate
As a participant in the American Democracy Project, IPFW is striving to find ways to create an intellectual and experiential understanding of civic engagement for undergraduates. The Certificate in Civic Education and Public Advocacy produces graduates who understand and are committed to meaningful actions as citizens in a democracy. This begins with thoughtful discussions of issues such as equality, justice, liberty, war, and peace. It is enhanced by examination of the practical manifestations of these ideas in government structures and public policies. It is completed through a capstone course—field experience in civic engagement that will forge partnerships with public agencies and community organizations to enhance the educational experience.
This certificate, which is affiliated with the Mike Downs Center for Indiana Politics, requires more than learning the basic structure of government. It encompasses learning the historical and philosophical foundations of our democracy and questioning long-established ideas. It is designed to prepare a person to be an informed citizen or public servant who understands public policy issues, and to succeed in a wide variety of careers.
There is another practical reason why this certificate is needed at IPFW. Fort Wayne has been practicing community-oriented policing and government for years. Allen County is moving in this same direction. This style of government calls for the engagement of residents with the government. Together, community needs and solutions are identified to make the community a better place to live. The better prepared those members of the community are to view things from a variety of perspectives, build coalitions, collaborate, and negotiate, the more efficiently and effectively they will be able to work with the government.
Goals for Students
- Recognize that they are a part of a larger society and that every person has value
- Understand that as a part of a larger society, every person shares the responsibility for addressing social issues
- Acquire the knowledge, skills, and ability to function effectively in a variety of workplace and community-based roles and activities
- Develop the necessary language and technical skills for purposeful inquiry and communication
- Clarify issues in the community, develop a plan to address the issues, and marshal support for that plan
- Understand how to involve the community in decision-making processes and see the value in doing so
- Know how to marshal the resources to address the needs of the community and feel obliged to contribute to the betterment of the community
- Become directly involved, through the capstone course, in a community-based project
- Create civic professionals
Learning Objectives for Students
- Participate in at least one community-based project
- Identify at least one issue in the community, develop a plan to address the issue, and build support for that plan
- Involve the community in decision-making processes
- Marshal the resources to address the needs of the community
Curriculum Requirements
The certificate links methods, theory, and skills-based training with active student learning and community-based projects. Students will be required to complete 19 credit hours with a grade of C or better in each course. The requirements are listed below.
Cr. Courses
1 POLS Y150 Community Advocacy
3 Introduction To Government and Politics
POLS Y103 Introduction to American Politics
POLS Y306 State Politics in the United States*
POLS Y307 Indiana State Government and Politics
POLS Y308 Urban Politics*
SPEA V170 Introduction to Public Affairs
SPEA V264 Urban Structure and Policy
3 Essential Communication Skills
POLS Y205 Elements of Political Analysis*
ENG W233 Intermediate Expository Writing*
COM 210 Debating Public Issues*
6 Promise and Problems of Democracy**
(at least one political science course)
POLS Y105 Introduction to Political Theory
POLS Y381 History of Political Theory I
POLS Y382 History of Political Theory II
POLS Y383 American Political Ideas I
POLS Y384 American Political Ideas II
PHIL 240 Social and Political Philosophy
COM 316 Controversy in America*
HIST A210 The Black Woman in America
HIST A306 Sex, Roles, and Society in American History
HIST A313 Origins of Modern America
HIST A321 History of American Thought I
HIST A322 History of American Thought II
HIST A345 American Diplomatic History I
HIST A349 Afro-American History
ENG L232 Topics in Literature and Culture*
ENG L250 American Literature Before 1865*
ENG L251 American Literature Since 1865*
ENG L379 Ethnic and Minority Literature*
SOC S300 Race and Ethnic Relations*
SOC S309 The Community*
SOC S317 Inequality*
SOC S338 Sociology of Gender Roles*
3 Policy Formation and Analysis and Government Operations
POLS Y301 Parties and Interest Groups*
POLS Y303 Formation of Public Policy in the United States*
POLS Y312 Workshop in State and Local Government*
POLS Y317 Voting Elections and Public Opinion
POLS Y378 Problems in Public Policy
POLS Y394 Public Policy Analysis
POLS Y200/Y401 Political Topics (if topic is approved)
SPEA V365 Urban Development and Planning*
SPEA V372 Government Finance and Budgets
3 Capstone Course
POLS Y398 Internship in Urban Institutions
POLS Y482 Practicum
19 Total Credits
*This course has a prerequisite
**Topics courses from the departments listed above may be used for this requirement with the approval of the certificate’s program director.
Note: Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to IPFW and have successfully completed or been exempted from ENG W131 Elementary Composition I.
For information contact Andrew Downs, 260-481-6691 or email at downsa@ipfw.edu
260-481-IPFW
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