Research is telling us that the teaching of Social Studies, American history and civics is decreasing in American schools, particularly at the elementary school level. Additionally, only 9 states and the District of Columbia require one year of U.S. government or civics, while 30 states require a half year and the other 11 states have no civics requirement.

No state has experiential learning or local problem-solving components in its civics requirements. If our primary and secondary schools are not setting the foundation for our children to become knowledgeable, participatory members of our democracy, then we have to hope that our colleges are. The problem is – they might not be doing it either. This begs us to ask the question – when it comes to civics education – are colleges our friend or foe?

Please note that this episode was produced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A production of LIU Public Radio. Visit us at WCWP.org and follow us on Twitter @CivicsIsDead

JFK majored in history and so did business entrepreneur Martha Stewart, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, comedian Larry David, and a host of other well-known politicians and celebrities. But according to a 2018 analysis published by the American Historical Association, only 5 history degrees are awarded per 1,000 college graduates. Only 5. Why is that? Should we have our antennas up? And why is it that the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point just recently toyed with eliminating 13 majors from its liberal arts program with history being one of them?

In this episode, we speak with three college students who help us to understand how and why they became history majors at a time when studying history simply for history’s sake might just be a thing of the past. Could this be a ‘Gone with the Wind’ moment?

Please note that this episode was produced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A production of LIU Public Radio. Visit us at WCWP.org and follow us on Twitter @CivicsIsDead

In this episode, we speak with author, historian, professor and Director of Secondary Education at Hofstra University, Dr. Alan Singer, who argues that Civics is Not Dead – it’s just morphed into student activism about issues like climate change. But, Dr. Singer warns us – this activism must be brought back into the classroom and channeled into more participatory democracy in our schools or democracy will not survive the long haul.

Please note that this episode was produced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A production of LIU Public Radio. Visit us at WCWP.org and follow us on Twitter @CivicsIsDead

In this episode, we connect with New York State’s 2020 Teacher of the Year, Rachel Murat - a true “Boots on the Ground” civics educator! A passionate Social Studies teacher at upstate New York’s Maine-Endwell High School for more than 20 years, Rachel makes civics education her priority both in and outside of the classroom.

Described by Andy Pallotta, President of the New York State United Teachers Union as ‘a shining example of how we should all seek to impact our communities to build a better New York and world”, Rachel’s MEALS food pantry program, “Digital Citizenship” course and student mentoring program are just a few of the reasons why she is so beloved and impactful.

Please note that this episode was produced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A production of LIU Public Radio. Visit us at WCWP.org and follow us on Twitter @CivicsIsDead