This course is open to ALL BSU sutdents. For those interested in joining this innovative course and becoming part of a dynamic learning community committed to making a real difference, please reach out to Honors College Dean Jim Buss at james.buss@bsu.edu for enrollment permission and further information.
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 to 12:15, this 3-credit Honors 390 (Course CRN: 26509) course Citizenship, Community, and Leadership will not just be another classroom lecture series. Instead, it promises to be a vibrant, discussion-driven exploration into what it means to live a purposeful life within a democratic community. Through an interdisciplinary approach, you will delve into the complexities of social and political participation, scrutinizing the responsibilities that come with engaged citizenship and the ethical considerations of leadership.
Why This Course?
- Rising Rates of Despair: Research indicates significant increases in depression, substance abuse, suicides, and a decline in close friendships and marriage rates, a picture of a society struggling with isolation.
- A Sense of Purpose: The absence of a sense of civic purpose and commitment to community has left people ethically inarticulate, in a cycle of social pain that manifests as bitterness and hostility.
- Politicization of Identity: Politics has become a substitute for community and deeper sense of citizenship turning social and ethical issues into divisive political battles, exacerbating loneliness, and reducing complex moral questions to binary political identities.
- Fixing the Problem: While technology, social isolation, demographic changes, and economic inequality are all cited as contributing factors for increasing isolation and depression, several people have noted the societal shift away from a sense of purpose and responsible citizenship.
The course is designed to inspire you to take action and reflect on your role within our communitiy and our broader democratic fabric. By critically examining speeches from historical figures like Frederick Douglass and analyzing the thoughts of philosophers such as Hannah Arendt and Karl Popper, you will be challenged to reevaluate your perspectives on citizenship, community, and leadership.
What Can You Expect?
- Exploration of Life’s Fundamental Questions: This course invites you to ponder questions about life, purpose, and a reflective examination of your values and beliefs.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Drawing on insights from philosophy, history, psychology, and other disciplines, this course will offer a rich tapestry of perspectives on how to find meaning in life.
- Practical Wisdom: This course will offer practical advice and strategies for aligning one’s actions with broader goals and values, seeking to help you live more intentionally and meaningfully.Personal Stories and Examples: Through narratives, this course will illustrates how different individuals have navigated the search for meaning, providing relatable insights and lessons learned.
- Call to Action: This course will challenge you to take an active role in defining and pursuing your own conception of a meaningful life, suggesting that such a pursuit is essential for personal fulfillment and societal well-being.
Draft Course Structure
Unit 1: The Foundation of Community (Weeks 1-4): Identifying and living according to one’s values and principles. This section might explore various ethical frameworks and how they can guide individuals in making life choices that align with their core beliefs. The role of relationships and a sense of community is another significant theme. This part will emphasize the importance of connecting with others and contributing to the welfare of the community as pathways to a meaningful life.
Unit 2: Citizenship in a Democratic Society (Weeks 5-8): Activities and discussions on how to practically engage in civic life and democratic processes. We will examine the crucial role that dialogue and deliberation play in our democracy. In an era marked by polarization and division, how can we foster open, constructive dialogue and thoughtful deliberation? We will explore the need to build bridges across diverse perspectives, promote understanding, and cultivate a culture of civic agency.
Unit 3: Ethical Leadership (Weeks 9-11): Introduction to the ethical dimensions of leadership, including readings from Hannah Arendt. Analysis of leadership roles in historical movements and contemporary society. Workshops and guest speakers focusing on cultivating leadership skills for social change.
Unit 4: Integration and Application (Weeks 12-15): The concept of legacy and how individuals can leave a positive impact on the world and be remembered by others—is a common closing theme. This might include reflections on service, making a difference, and how to ensure one’s life has a lasting, positive effect on others. Planning and initiation of group projects that integrate learning about citizenship, community, and leadership.
Don't miss this opportunity to redefine your understanding of leadership and citizenship, and to discover how you can contribute to a more engaged and thoughtful community. Join us this fall for a transformative educational experience at Ball State University.
For more details, visit the course description page here, and feel free to contact Dr. David J. Roof for any inquiries.
Contact Information:
Dr. David J. Roof
Email: djroof@bsu.edu
Phone: 217-721-6741