James Madison University defines engagement in three primary ways: engaged learning, community engagement, and civic engagement. In advancing the legacy of James Madison, Father of the Constitution, we define civic engagement as preparing individuals to be active and responsible participants in a representative democracy dedicated to the common good.
The civic leadership minor provides students with the civic knowledge, skills, and judgment to be engaged citizens that impact the world, helping accomplish one of our highest priorities at JMU. With our proximity to Washington D.C. and active alumni base within public service fields, this minor also provides key workforce development for a wide variety of internships and career paths.
Courses
Through an introductory course, coursework offered across all eight colleges, and an internship with report, creative works portfolio/project, or individual research, students and faculty will work together to explore democracy’s biggest problems and develop civic-oriented solutions that emphasize leadership for the common good.
The minor’s academic home is in the College of Arts and Letters Dean’s Office and managed by the Madison Center for Civic Engagement. Faculty from the Madison Center and graduate students from the School of Strategic Leadership Studies are instructors of record for the civic leadership courses.
Refer to the catalog for more information.
