Social studies professor to attend prestigious institute on civic education

April 01, 2009

Civic engagement is at an all-time high following the historic 2008 presidential election. Hoping to build on that momentum, some of the top social studies teacher educators in the nation will convene May 15-19 to find ways to energize young voters.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Assistant Professor James Hartwick is one of 30 educators nationwide to receive an invitation to the prestigious R. Freeman Butts Institute on Civic Learning in Teacher Education in Indianapolis. He is currently the coordinator of UW-Whitewater’s secondary social studies program.

Hartwick says now is an especially good time for social studies educators to come together because of the resurgence in civic engagement following the election of Barack Obama, the economic crisis and the fact that the U.S. is engaged in two wars, in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Out of dark moments people say they need to get involved and make a change,” he said. “Americans are realizing that taking care of your nation matters. Right now our place in the world is in question.”

The institute, in its eighth year, is sponsored by the Center for Civic Education and will include presentations on constitutionalism, ordered liberty and justice. Its main goal is to provide participants with teaching methods to help train social studies teachers to foster civic-minded students who are thoughtfully engaged in the democratic process.

“Thoughtful, engaged citizens are the foundation of our nation,” Hartwick said. “For far too long social studies has focused on training students to memorize names, dates and capitals.”

Citizens need to have an understanding of the principles and practices of democracy so they can effectively participate in the community, government and politics, he says.

Other participants at the institute will include Diana Hess, associate professor at UW-Madison, and Walter Parker, professor of curriculum and instruction at the University of Washington. Hess is considered an expert on teaching controversial issues in social studies. Parker specializes in the civic development of children and adolescents.

“The invitation to be part of this select group acknowledges Dr. Hartwick’s authority in the field on a national level,” said John Zbikowski, acting chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. “It should enrich UW-Whitewater’s instructional program to have a member of our faculty engaged in a discussion with some of the most influential voices on this timely issue.” For more information, contact Hartwick at 262-472-5815 or hartwicj@uww.edu.