Civic Engagement in the First-Year Experience: Developing Civic Literacy

Abstract

Students often misinterpret civic engagement strategies as an alternative to political action and civic participation. This essay argues that urban universities should integrate aspects of politics into civic engagement in order to link civic service with civic change. A model from the University of Nebraska-Omaha suggests that introducing civic learning in the first year is highly effective, especially for urban university students who have strong ties to the city.