The Center for Economic and Civic Learning at Ball State University is pleased to announce the 2025 Conference on Civic Studies and Democracy, scheduled for September 25-27, 2025. This year’s conference, themed “Character, Aesthetics, and Community: The Interplay Between Community, Art, Politics, and Civic Identity,” will explore the connections between character development, civic identity, and the role of aesthetics in shaping democratic engagement.
Call for Proposals
Key Dates:
- Proposal Submission Deadline: June 15, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: July 7, 2025
- Conference Dates: September 25-27, 2025
- Submit Proposals HERE
Proposals should include the following details:
- Presentation Title (for the program listing)
- Names of Presenters
- Description for the Conference Program (subject to editing by organizers)
- Format (e.g., lecture, panel discussion, workshop, interactive session)
- Duration (20, 40, 60, or 90 minutes)
- Technical and Accessibility Requirements
- Questions or Comments for Conference Organizers (optional)
We encourage proposals that explore topics such as:
- The role of education in community and civic engagement.
- The aesthetic dimensions of political life and how art influences civic identity.
- Strategies for reintegrating civics, character formation, and community engagement into education and our public life.
- Case studies and theoretical perspectives connecting arts, political theory, and civic practice.
- How educational institutions can instill character and social responsibility.
- How art, literature, public monuments, visual arts, music, and performance can shape public memory.
- How art has historically contributed to our democracy.
- How we bridge the divide between civic knowledge, character education, and real-world engagement.
- The role does architecture, public space, and urban design play in promoting civic discourse and participation.
- How digital platforms shape civic identity and participation in democratic life.
Submission Details: Proposals should be submitted HERE. For additional information, visit our website or contact Dr. David J. Roof at djroof@bsu.edu.
Join us in fostering meaningful dialogue and advancing scholarship in civic education, character development, and democratic engagement. We look forward to your submission.
The annual Conference on Civic Studies and Democracy is hosted by the Center for Economic and Civic Learning and partners. The event brings together academics, educators, community leaders, and practitioners to discuss innovative approaches to civic education, political engagement, and community leadership.