Civics for the World to Come: Committing to Democracy in Every Classroom

Civics education should prioritize students rather than systems, promoting incremental change within a broken democracy. Civics for the World to Come provides a framework for designing critical civic education that cultivates youth civic agency grounded in equity and justice, exploring five world-building civic skills and introducing readers to real learning communities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 25 July 2023
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

Years of political turmoil and demonstrations against injustice have rekindled interest in teaching civics in schools. The issue? Civic education, as it currently stands, prioritizes systems over students. It promotes incremental change within a broken democracy rather than addressing the youth-led movements that demand the abolition of unfair social structures. What will it take to equip young people with the just future they are fighting for?

Civics for the World to Come provides educators with a framework for developing the essential civic education that our students deserve. By synthesizing perspectives on democratic life from critical race theory, ethnic studies, Afrofuturism, and critical literacy, the book presents key practices for nurturing youth civic agency rooted in equity and justice. The authors explore five world-building civic skills (Inquiry, Storytelling, Imagination, Networking, and Advocacy) and introduce readers to real learning communities where students and educators are transforming themselves and society.

Inquiry: Engaging in critical thinking and inquiry to understand complex issues and develop informed opinions.

Storytelling: Using narrative and storytelling to communicate ideas and values effectively.

Imagination: Developing creative and imaginative solutions to problems.

Networking: Building and maintaining relationships with others to work towards common goals.

Advocacy: Speaking out and advocating for social and political change.

By cultivating these civic skills, students can become active and engaged citizens who are committed to building a more just and equitable world. Civics for the World to Come offers a valuable resource for educators who are passionate about preparing young people for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324030218