At Rutgers University, the Citizenship and Service Education Program frames service in the context of democratic citizenship. Michael Shafer, professor of political science and director of the program, has found that when he incorporates service into his courses something curious happens: students take charge. Shafer sees traditional pedagogical styles in which professors talk and students listen as antithetical to democratic theory. In his political science courses, there is as much emphasis on the community service placement, as on the reflection that follows students service experiences. As a result, students often question and challenge assumptions from their texts and from other sources, and engage in debate around these issues, the kind of activity that democracy is all about.
From Service Matters 1998: Engaging Higher Education In the Renewal of America s Communities and American Democracy
Website: http://case.rutgers.edu/
