Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology, Peshawar
Department of Computer Science and IT
Landi Akhun Ahmad, Adjacent Attock Petroleum, Ring Road (Kohat Road-Hayatabad Link),
Peshawar
Tel: +92-91-523-0931, 32, & 33 Fax: +92-91-523-0930
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Course Code & Title: GE-105, Civics and Community Engagement
Credit Hours: 2-0
Course Duration: One Semester
Credit Units: 2
Level: Undergraduate
Prerequisites: None
Course Description:
The Civics and Community Engagement course is designed to provide students with an
understanding of the importance of civic participation, culture and cultural diversity, basic
foundations of citizenship, group identities, and the role of individuals in creating positive
change within their communities. The course aims at developing students' knowledge, skills, and
attitudes necessary for active and responsible citizenship.
Course Objectives:
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the concepts of civic engagement, community development, and social
responsibility.
2. Recognize the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and analyze the significance of
civic participation.
3. Develop practical skills for community organizing, advocacy, and leadership while
fostering intercultural competence.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Analyze the concepts of civic engagement, community development, and cultural
diversity.
2. Assess community needs and develop strategies for community improvement and
engagement.
3. Apply principles of active citizenship and intercultural dialogue to real-world community
projects.
Textbooks:
Kennedy, J. K., & Brunold, A. Regional Context and Citizenship Education in Asia and
Europe. Routledge, 2016.
Henslin, J. M. Essentials of Sociology: A Down to Earth Approach (13th ed.). Pearson
Education, 2018.
Macionis, J. J., & Gerber, M.L. Sociology. Pearson Education, 2020.
Reference Books:
Glencoe McGraw-Hill. Civics Today: Citizenship, Economics, and Youth.
Magleby, D. B., Light, P. C., & Nemacheck, C. L. Government by the People (16th ed.).
Pearson, 2020.
Sirianni, C., & Friedland, L. The Civic Renewal Movement: Community-Building and
Democracy in the United States. Kettering Foundation Press, 2005.
Bloemraad, I. Becoming a Citizen: Incorporating Immigrants and Refugees in the United
States and Canada. University of California Press, 2006.
Kuyek, J. Community Organizing: Theory and Practice. Fernwood Publishing, 2007.
DeKieffer, D. E. The Citizen's Guide to Lobbying Congress. The Capitol.Net, 2010.
Rybacki, K. C., & Rybacki, D. J. Advocacy and Opposition: An Introduction to
Argumentation (8th ed.). Routledge, 2021.
Kretzmann, J. P., & McKnight, J. L. Building Communities from the Inside Out: A Path
Towards Finding and Mobilizing a Community's Assets. ACTA Publications, 1993.
Patterson, T. E. Engaging the Public: How Government and the Media Can Reinvigorate
American Democracy. Oxford University Press, 2005.
Love, N. S., & Mattern, M. Doing Democracy: Activist Art and Cultural Politics. SUNY
Press, 2005.
Grading Policy:
Midterm Examination 30
Final Term Examination 70
Course Content and Weekly Breakdown:
Week Topics/Themes Target CLOs
1 Introduction to Civics & Community Engagement CLO-01
- Overview of the course: Civics & Community Engagement
- Definition and importance of civics
- Key concepts in civics: citizenship, democracy, governance,
and rule of law
- Rights and responsibilities of citizens
2 Citizenship and Community Engagement CLO-01
- Introduction to Active Citizenship: Concepts and Skills
- Approaches and Methodology for Active Citizenship
3 Identity, Culture, and Social Harmony CLO-02
- Concept and Development of Identity and Group Identities
- Components of Culture, Cultural Pluralism, Multiculturalism
- Cultural Ethnocentrism, Cultural Relativism
- Understanding Cultural Diversity and Globalization
4 Religious and Socio-Political Diversity CLO-02
- Religious Diversity: Similarities and Differences
- Understanding Socio-Political Polarization
- Minorities, Social Inclusion, Affirmative Actions
5 Inter-Cultural Dialogue CLO-02
- Multi-cultural Society and Inter-cultural Dialogue
- Promoting Inter-group Contact/Dialogue
- Significance of Diversity and Its Impact
6 Active Citizenship: Local and Global CLO-03
- Importance of Active Citizenship at National and Global
Levels
- Understanding Community and Identification of Resources
7 Community Resource Utilization and Strategic Planning CLO-03
- Utilization of Resources for Development
- Strategic Planning for Community Development
- Community Linkages and Mobilization
8 Human Rights and Constitutionalism CLO-03
- Introduction to Human Rights
- Human Rights in the Constitution of Pakistan
- Public Duties and Responsibilities
- Constitutionalism and Democratic Process
9 Social Institutions and Groups CLO-03
- Types of Social Groups and Organizations
- Bureaucracy: Weber’s Model of Bureaucracy
- Role of Political Parties, Interest Groups, and NGOs
10 Civic Engagement Strategies CLO-03
- Grassroots Organizing and Community Mobilization
- Advocacy and Lobbying for Policy Change
- Volunteerism and Service-Learning Opportunities
11 Social Issues in Pakistan CLO-01
- Overview of Major Social Issues in Pakistani Society
12 Social Action Project Development CLO-02
- Identification of Community Needs and Assets
- Developing Effective Strategies for Community Improvement
13 Ethical Implications in Community Engagement CLO-02
- Exploring Ethical Implications and Dilemmas
14 Practical Skills for Community Leadership CLO-03
- Community Organizing, Advocacy, and Leadership Skills
15 Intercultural Competence and Respect for Diversity CLO-03
- Fostering Intercultural Competence
- Respect for Diversity in Community Engagement Efforts
16 Course Review and Reflection CLO-01, CLO-02,
CLO-03
- Review of Key Concepts and Learning Outcomes
- Reflection on Personal Growth and Community Engagement
Experiences
Teaching & Learning Activities (TLAs):
Lectures and interactive discussions
Group activities and community projects
Case studies and analysis of civic engagement initiatives
Presentations and practical exercises
Reflection and self-assessment
Assessment Tasks, Activities, and CLO Mapping:
Assessment Task & Activities CLO-01 CLO-02 CLO-03
Mid-term Examination X
Final Examination X X X
Group Projects and Presentations X X X
Individual Reflection Papers X X X
Participation in Class Discussions and Activities X X X
Mapping of CLOs with GAs
CLOs GA GA GA GA GA GA GA GA GA GA
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10
CLO- X
01
CLO- X
02
CLO- X
03
