The goal of this year-long course is to explore political engagement by looking at how ordinary people became powerful participants in the political process and had a significant impact on changing the lives of other people for the better. We will also examine various techniques and strategies for achieving political change including participating in interest groups, lobbying, community organizing, grassroots action, protests, using the media, campaigning for a candidate, and running for political office.

*Students enrolled in the Spring Maryland General Assembly Internship can do this internship in place of the Political Engagement II

2. Academic Experience--Students need to choose ONLY ONE the following options (A, B, or C) during the Fall/Spring 2012-2013 academic year to satisfy this requirement:

A. Presidential Citizen Scholars can take one of the Civic Engagement Seminars. There are going to be two seminars offered in the Fall 2012 semester and 1-2 additional course in the Spring 2012 semester.

Fall 2012 1 credit Courses -

College Student Voting. Mon 3-3:50. Taught by PACE Managing Director Leah Reynolds. Students examine the concept of voting from a practical and theoretical sense and its impact on the maintenance of the United States democracy. The course addresses how to register to vote in Maryland, the practicality of absentee ballots, and more broadly, the voting behavior of young adults in America. The main focus is for students to lead voter registration drives, in an attempt to register all Salisbury University students at their local address for the 2012 elections.
Viability of Community Policing. Tues 11-11:50. Taught by Dr. Haven Simmons (CMAT). Students participate in ride-alongs with local law enforcement in order to assess the relationships between the community and the police.

B. Scholars may choose to satisfy this requirement by taking a 3 or 4 credit course that has civic engagement as its enhancement or that teaches civic engagement skills. Courses on this list taken prior to participation in the Scholars program will also be accepted if you have taken one of these courses within the past year.

3-4 Credit Course List

C. Students may also choose to do an internship to satisfy this requirement.

Internship Opportunities

3. Scholars Group Community Service Project.
All PCS will work on 1-2 community service project that will be determined at the beginning of the semester.