Abstract
Many civic engagement courses require students to work with community members to make progress on complex problems, which in itself can be a practice of leadership. Yet there is little evidence that leadership development is strategically incorporated in civic engagement courses. Therefore, we taught eight leadership sessions over two semesters in the Principled Problem Solving Scholars Program at Guilford College. This study examines the perceived impact of leadership curriculum on the personal practices of leadership and the civic engagement for 14 undergraduate students. We present the findings through three themes highlighting (1) the shifts in the students’ philosophies of leadership from leader-centric to collective perspectives; (2) the value of civic leadership and democratic engagement praxis, and (3) the salient leadership lessons. Lastly, we discuss implications and future research calling for more integration of these two fields and more research around the curricular integration of leadership education and civic education.
Recommended Citation
Kniffin, Lori E. and Sapra, Sonalini
(2021)
"Enhancing Civic Engagement through Leadership Education,"
eJournal of Public Affairs: Vol. 10:
No.
3, Article 3.
Available at:
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/ejopa/vol10/iss3/3