The undergraduate certificate in civic thought and leadership forms students to pursue excellence as engaged citizens. This interdisciplinary program of studies integrates courses that will provide students with the intellectual formation and practical skills that will enable them to navigate the challenges of American civic life and leadership in business, academia, and the public square.

Each course in the certificate program invites students to engage new material while recalling or revisiting material covered in one of the other courses. In this way, the certificate forms students to consider diverse perspectives and enter hard conversations with sober reason and sympathetic judgment. The goal is for students to practice the arts of citizenship necessary for understanding their country and each other.

The two required core courses build on each other. The Art of Statesmanship course introduces students to classical and modern claims about the qualities necessary for leadership. In The Art of Rhetoric course, students learn to cross examine famous classical and American speeches. These courses take an integrative approach to understanding the roles of leadership and public speech within the framework of American constitutional government.

An integral component of each course is the practicum. Students in The Art of Statesmanship participate in a writing practicum that serves as a workshop in written argument. The Art of Rhetoric involves an oratory practicum, in which students will receive guidance in crafting and presenting a speech. The instructor will offer additional support and mentorship outside the classroom. And professional speechwriters may participate in the oratory practicum to offer students feedback.

In addition to these core requirements, students must select two additional courses listed within the plan of study. Subjects of study for these courses include civic discourse, competing theories of justice, and the history of America’s economic order. Each of these courses may involve practical as well as theoretical elements, enabling students to learn concrete skills while receiving formation of the mind. Students may also have the option to select from focused studies in the Special Topics seminars offered by the Institute’s faculty.

This interdisciplinary program teaches students to read difficult texts with greater care, to compose written and oral arguments in a more disciplined way, to discuss controversial topics with civility, and to think through difficult questions.

Our curriculum aims to build community, and students will benefit from mentoring relationships with faculty and from participating together in extra-curricular activities sponsored by the Institute of American Constitutional Thought & Leadership. Such activities may include lunch seminars and public lectures.

Students in the certificate program will also receive invitations to unique opportunities, including evening colloquia and seminars with guest speakers. Students who complete the certificate will receive special consideration for the Institute’s fellowship opportunities, including the Institute’s summer study abroad program in Oxford.

Civic Thought and Leadership, Certificate

Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
CLT 3000	The Art of Statesmanship and the Civic Life	3
CLT 3010	The Art of Rhetoric and the Civic Life	3
Select two of the following		6
CLT 3500	Civic Discourse
CLT 3510	Competing Theories of Justice
ECON 4410
CLT 3990	Special Topics in Civic Thought
Total Hours		12

Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid

First Term		Hours
CLT 3000	The Art of Statesmanship and the Civic Life	3
Select from electives		3
CLT 3500	Civic Discourse
CLT 3990	Special Topics in Civic Thought
	Hours	6
Second Term
CLT 3010	The Art of Rhetoric and the Civic Life	3
Select from electives		3
CLT 3510	Competing Theories of Justice
ECON 4410
CLT 3990	Special Topics in Civic Thought
	Hours	6
	Total Hours	12

Learning Outcomes

• Become conversant with some of the key principles and figures of American civic life.
• Study the principles of engaged citizenship through the lives and speeches of public figures.
• Assess the motivations and ideals of great leaders.
• Understand the role that leadership plays in a modern democratic society.
• Identify the rationales for open civic discourse.
• Investigate how different claims about justice influence economic and legal arrangements.
• Examine alternative claims about what is required for leadership in a constitutional republic.
• Examine how certain laws and economic practices have influenced American society.
• Practice discussing controversial issues with clarity and civility.
• Practice the art of public speaking.
• Practice clear and compelling writing.
• Practice a disciplined approach to thinking through difficult questions and issues for oneself.