Civic Intelligence: Theory and Practice

Description

This program is open to any motivated student who is interested in understanding and cultivating civic intelligence—the capacity for groups and societies to respond effectively and equitably to the challenges they face. Civic intelligence informally describes how "smart" a society is. Although we know that it integrates social imagination, memory, cognition, learning, and engagement, we also know that civic intelligence lacks an established or precise definition. For that reason we will be working to understand what "it" is, including how to recognize or even measure it. More importantly, however, this exploration should help us better understand our current and potential capabilities to address shared problems related to climate change, food security, environmental degradation, militarism and war, and economic inequity.

This program will incorporate theoretical foundations and analytic frameworks in addition to examining concrete historic and contemporary examples. Using theoretical tools and practical knowledge, students will develop a case study that analyzes a project, campaign or event that they've identified as relevant. The case-study work can focus on media, public policy, education, electronic resource, or other relevant themes. Students will also work in teams to develop one or more social change games or workshops using the Liberating Voices pattern language. Via our program wiki we will develop concepts for the Fall 2011 to Spring 2012 Civic Intelligence Research and Action Laboratory program and begin the development of an open source text book on civic intelligence. Credits will be primarily awarded in social sciences although two credits may be awarded in other areas.