Minor details

Active Citizenship minor

Engaged citizenship is increasingly important in a world that is global, complex and connected. Knowledge and understanding of the ways citizens can actively participate in their local and national communities is crucial to societal well-being; equally important is informed awareness of what it means to be globally connected where the impacts of social, political and environmental challenges reverberate internationally. The health and sustainability of future societies depends on citizens who are well-informed, resilient and flexible, with skills that are adaptable to changing circumstances and needs.

The aim of this inter-disciplinary Minor is to develop students' capacities to be caring, connected and socially engaged contributors to their communities through practical engagement with industry partners, and critical reflection on personal, community and government responsibility for positive change.

The Minor provides students with opportunities to explore active citizenship theoretically and practically. It is deeply embedded in the needs of the community, placing students in internships with industry partners, and in teams working collaboratively to tackle wicked problems such as entrenched homelessness. Through these real-world engagements, and classroom-based activities, students develop communication skills, critical and creative thinking, problem-solving and design skills, and digital literacy, while also enhancing their work-readiness as emerging professionals. By enabling students to apply their knowledge and skills in different contexts, this program of study will prepare them to be adaptable and socially-engaged citizens.

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) discuss the nature of complex issues in the community and different approaches to addressing them; (2) debate the responsibilities of individuals, communities and governments for societal and environmental well-being; (3) apply their knowledge and skills to real projects in professional settings and evaluate their capacity to make a difference; (4) critically reflect on the benefits to both the individual and community through community engagement; and (5) effectively communicate their ideas individually and collectively for a range of purposes.

Unit sequence