Description
Book SynopsisGenerations of Americans, dating back to the nation''s founding, have regarded schools as essential for developing the knowledge and civic values necessary for sustaining democracy. Yet, as Matthew D. Nelsen argues in The Color of Civics, traditional approaches to civic education are not living up to their promise for many students, particularly students of color from disadvantaged communities. How do we prepare an increasingly diverse generation of Americans for full participation in public life?Drawing on lessons from students and teachers in Chicago, The Color of Civics reimagines the democratic purpose of civic education. Nelsen''s findings challenge some of the most widely cited civic education research, arguing that the content of traditional civic education courses privileges the political experiences of white political actors, and in turn, contributes to divergent political behaviors and participatory outcomes across racial and ethnic groups. He presents a new approach to civic
Trade ReviewThe Color of Civics teaches us what America's young people, especially young people of color, learn about the nation's political system, and their place within it. As debates rage about what is discussed in the classroom, this book provides what has been missing in the national conversation: the perspective of young people themselves. If you want to understand how civics is really taught—and what is actually learned—in America's schools, read The Color of Civics. * David Campbell, Packey J. Dee Professor of American Democracy, University of Notre Dame *
Armed with the theoretical and methodological tools of a social scientist and the experience of a former elementary school teacher, Nelsen has written a timely, necessary, and inspiring book. The Color of Civics provides welcome optimism that a reimagined, critical civics education can play a vital role in moving us one step closer to one day fulfilling the promise of multiracial democracy. * Hakeem Jefferson, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Stanford University *
Nelsen's The Color of Civics is a bold and incredibly important book that examines the role of our education system in shaping civic life and the broader functioning of our democratic system of governance. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how schools affect the kinds of citizens societies create. In addition, it is a model of how to conduct rigorous and meaningful social science that enriches our understanding of the complex social forces that affect the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of diverse groups of people whose life experiences shape the ways that they approach engaging with one another to create the societies they live in. * Neil Lewis, Jr., Assistant Professor of Communication and Social Behavior, Cornell University *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Chapter 1: The Color of Civics Chapter 2: Reimagining Civic Education Chapter 3: Cultivating Youth Engagement Chapter 4: From Solitary Heroes to Collective Action Chapter 5: Experts at Things They Know Chapter 6: Civics in Context Chapter 7: Educating for Empowerment Appendices Notes References Index
