Making and remaking the political: lessons from the US experience of civic and political engagement in the teaching of political science

Abstract

This article sets out the case for the need for a greater level of academic debate by UK political scientists with regard to the teaching of civic and political engagement. Drawing on lessons from the United States, the article notes the relative absence of debate by UK scholars on these matters. This is despite similar concerns about levels of civic and political activity within society. The article argues that a greater focus on civic and political engagement in the teaching of political science would improve the overall health of the discipline, enhance levels of student knowledge and understanding, as well as responding to wider societal concerns.