The American Democracy Scholar Certificate

We The People Graphic

A unique program that combines theory and civic discourse to increase understanding and inform civic action to sustain democracy

Pitt Johnstown's American Democracy Scholar Certificate provides (1) a sound theoretical foundation in constitutional ideals, principles, and institutions; (2) an extensive interactive and integrative practicum in civic reasoning and discourse; and (3) opportunities for civic action through internships and fieldwork to promote democracy.

Key Outcomes

Graduates of the program will:

develop an excellent understanding of the Constitution, U.S. history, and the nature and functioning of our institutions.
enhance their civic reasoning skills and be able to think critically about core constitutional principles and the workings of our governmental institutions.
be more informed, active, and engaged citizens and demonstrate a better understanding of citizens' capacity to participate in the political system and influence its outcomes.
enhance communication skills, including the capacity to listen actively to multiple viewpoints, analyze contentious constitutional issues from different points of view, and disagree without being disagreeable.
demonstrate a keen appreciation of the challenges of preserving the republic and be well equipped to fulfill their citizenship obligation: to build "a more perfect union."

A Distinctive Partnership with the National Constitution Cente r

A distinguishing feature of the American Democracy Scholar Certificate is the Deliberative Democracy Practicum in Civic Reasoning & Discourse. This experiential learning opportunity is moderated by the National Constitution Center in Virtual Townhalls across the country. Students will benefit immensely from the NCC's distinctive expertise in facilitating thoughtful "constitutional conversations" that enhance the development of habits, skills, and dispositions "essential for the active and engaged citizenry" in a democracy. Students will complete at least 150 hours of democracy 'fieldwork' in much the same way that teacher preparation programs put student-teachers in classrooms to acquire and practice skills critical to professional success.

Special Recognition

Upon completing the American Democracy Scholar Certificate, students will be recognized and celebrated as special Ambassadors of the U.S. Constitution and will be honored with a medallion inscribed "Keepers of the Republic."

Required Courses

The 15-credit certificate consists of the following courses:

PS 0615 US Constitutional Principles and the Democratic Republic
Study of the theories of constitutionalism and democracy-that governments and the power of its officials should be limited by a constitution and accountable to the people, focusing especially on the principles underlying the U.S. Constitution, including popular sovereignty. The course also examines the process of constitutional and democratic change.
PS 0610 American Political Thought
Study of the philosophical debates surrounding the founding of the United States and the works of subsequent influential thinkers who shaped American political development into the 21st century, emphasizing reading original sources.
PS 0206 American Political Process
The course is an introduction to the institutions and processes of the national government. Against a background of the Constitution and the social context of American politics, attention will be given to such topics as voting behavior, public opinion and political attitudes, the party system, the president, Congress, and the courts.
HIST 0610 US History to 1877
This introductory, lower division course explores the history of the United States from the 1400s through the Civil War and Reconstruction.
PS 1915 Practicum in Civic Discourse & Deliberative Democracy
The practicum will provide students opportunities to learn and practice critical skills and habits essential to the success of a deliberative democracy. Students will complete 150 hours of fieldwork, which may include "constitutional conversations" with peers, discussing, analyzing, and finding common ground on fundamental but contested democratic principles. The practicum will also provide students opportunities to participate in webinars, workshops, and conferences offered by institutions and associations of higher education. Students may also conduct local service projects that involve organizing voter registration drives, candidate forums, mock conventions, or civic engagement projects.

"We are immensely honored to work with the National Constitution Center in this timely and urgent endeavor. Together we hope to elevate collegiate civic learning, increase understanding of our Constitution, deepen appreciation of American ideals and institutions, and foster the civic trust and understanding required to form a more perfect union.

-UPJ President Jem Spectar

Experiential Learning & Civic Action

The FIELD Experience (Field-related Immersion Experiences for Learning & Development)

All students will be expected to attend UPJ ADSC Day in Washington DC where they will visit the U.S. Congress, the Supreme Court, and the White House. While enrolled in the program students will also be expected to participate in numerous field internship experiences such as non-partisan voter registration drives, poll workers, and opportunities for civic action to sustain democracy.

The Reflective Capstone

To complete the American Democracy Scholar Certificate students will submit a reflective paper that synthesizes the democratic theory and history they have learned in the core courses with the practical knowledge gained from civic engagement in the practicum. Students will choose a contemporary challenge to democracy (voting rights, civil rights, partisan polarization, political violence, gerrymandering, disinformation, etc.) and explain how their coursework combined with their engagement through the National Constitution Center leads them to analyze the problem and offer solutions.

CIVIC ACTION: The American Democracy Corps

Students who earn an American Democracy Scholar Certificate will be eligible for recognition as American Democracy Corps (ADC) members, constituting an expanding national network of non-partisan democracy advocates. ADC members will be active civic participants who will be encouraged and supported as they share their knowledge and skills in their communities, including as facilitators for civic discourse. Well-schooled in civic discourse, ADC members will be encouraged to volunteer as peer tutors and mentors in NCC programs or similar initiatives nationwide.

"The ADSC will enhance our capacity to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to revitalize the civic health of our communities and contribute to the public life of our republic.

-Dr. Wrabley, UPJ Professor of Political Science

The ADSC is a "great idea!" It would be wonderful to "get the public schools involved" to amplify the impact.

-UPJ Board of Advisors Chair Emeritus, Mrs. E. Jeanne Gleason

"The ADSC is a timely, necessary, and wonderful program.

-UPJ Board member and alum Douglas R. Weimer

The ADC can and should be a "prototype for many institutions" to emulate.

-James Martin, Vice Chancellor, STEM Research & Outreach, University of Pittsburgh

"This program will undoubtedly assist our teachers in preparing informed and active citizens imbued with essential skills and dispositions, including civility, civic trust, and mutual respect.

- Mark Conlon, Visiting Professor, UPJ School of Education