Educating for Democracy?
Fall 2024: Tuesdays, 4:30 pm - 7:15 pm
Walton Center for Planetary Health, Room 409 (Session C)
How has democracy evolved through history?
What lies ahead for democracy?
What role should education play in a democratic society?
—————————————————————
Are democracies in decline throughout the world?
To what extent is education implicated in this?
Can education systems be transformed to strengthen and sustain democracy?
—————————————————————
What are the most promising educational programs to prepare informed, critical, engaged and caring citizens?
—————————————————————
How can we reimagine education to empower students to interrogate and actualize the promise of democracy?
Is democracy throughout the world under threat, and can education systems help to strengthen and sustain democracy?
This lab will delve into the current state of democracy worldwide, undertaking a comprehensive examination of the purpose and role of education in democratic societies. Through individual and group exploration, students will work in projects that interrogate the status quo, reimagine educational systems, and propose transformative breakthroughs in systems, structures, and/or pedagogies that empower students and communities to participate actively and effectively in the democratic process to disrupt entrenched inequities and more fully realize the promises of liberty and justice for all.
To explore these inquiries, we will examine historical and contemporary challenges to democracy and delve into the role of education in democratic societies. Building upon this groundwork, students will collaborate in teams, conducting research and undertaking creative projects aimed at reimagining education systems and empowering K-12 students to become more informed, discerning, and compassionate citizens.
In their final presentations, students will share findings with the broader community, aspiring to spark dialogue and action toward reimagining and reshaping education systems. Our aim is to inspire audiences with innovative ideas and proposals that might energize students and communities to uphold the ideals and practices of democracy, fostering social equality and governance by the people.
Collaborations
-
- Collaborators TBA
Impact Outcomes
Students will share their findings with the general public in a format of their choosing. Check this page at the end of the semester for updates!
Educating for Democracy in the News
At the Humanities Lab, we strive to ensure our Labs are relevant and current. Here are some recent articles about Educating for Democracy? in today’s news!
Danielle Allen on Educating for Democracy | Harvard Graduate School of Education
Enrollment Information
Fall 2024: Tuesdays, 4:30 pm - 7:15 pm |
WCPH 409, Session C |
| Humanities Lab | HUL 494, 598 |
| Justice Studies | JUS 494, 598 |
| Educational Studies | EDU 494, 598 |
