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By Dan Nonte, University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-4314
Posted 10-22-09
GREENSBORO, N.C. — A political science course at UNCG is going outside the classroom and beyond required reading.
Students in PSC 300: Civic Engagement and Political Participation are planning and will moderate an open discussion for the campus community – Democracy’s Challenge: Reclaiming the Public’s Role – 6-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Weatherspoon Art Museum.
Discussion topics will include civic engagement in policy debates, the decline of social capital in America and participation in the electoral process. For more information about the discussion topics, visit http://bit.ly/dvi75.
University students and employees are invited to attend and participate although seating is limited. The event is not open to the public, but journalists are welcome.
Information about nonprofit organizations where students can become involved in civic and political life in Guilford County will be made available to participants.
After the forum, students in the course will evaluate the event and use questionnaires completed by participants to contribute to a larger report that is distributed by the National Issues Forum for elected and appointed officials at the state and federal levels, said Dr. Darlene Xiomara Rodriguez, who is teaching the course.
This will be the first National Issues Forum on the UNCG campus. National Issues Forums is a network of organizations and individuals with a common interest in promoting public deliberation in America. The network, which does not advocate specific solutions or points of view, has grown to include thousands of civic clubs, religious organizations, libraries, schools and other groups.
Support for the event has been provided by the Kettering Foundation and National Issues Forums.