American Civic Traditions Certificate

Program Coordinator/Contact

Dale Potts, Associate Professor of History
School of American and Global Studies
West Hall Room 116, Box 510
605-688-5101

Program Information

Contemporary issues of social, political, cultural, and community importance require American citizens equipped for civic engagement.  This four-course certificate in American Civic Traditions prepares students with the foundational knowledge to understand current debates through the lens of history, political structures, and differing perspectives so as to cultivate an educated and engaged citizenry. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the certificate program, students will:

• Possess foundational knowledge of American history, government and politics.
  • Relate key facts of historical eras, events, documents, narratives and significant figures.
  • Explain the structures and roles of the American system of government at the local, state and national levels.
  • Explain foundational theories and concepts of American history and the American political structure.
  • Identify primary constitutional issues, including laws and court cases, and their relation to civil liberties and civil rights.
• Analyze the extent and impact of individual, cultural and social differences in contemporary or historical contexts using appropriate disciplinary methods and concepts.
• Understand contemporary issues through their historical and political origins.
  • Identify the events, timelines, key figures, narratives, laws, political environments and differing perspectives that led to contemporary issues.
  • Apply social- and political-science concepts to contemporary issues from different behavioral, cultural, institutional, temporal and geographical contexts.
• Demonstrate the habits of mind necessary for effective civic engagement.
  • Identify, analyze and employ credible primary and secondary sources.
  • Critically analyze theories, arguments and points of view.
  • Communicate an informed position with clarity and logic, verbally and in writing.
  • Engage in respectful civil discourse on civic issues with multiple perspectives.

Course Delivery Format

The program provides courses online and face to face on campus.