International Journal of Progressive Education
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International Journal of Progressive Education 2012, Vol. 8(3) 15-31

The University as a Public Good: Active citizenship and university community engagement

Jason Wood

pp. 15 - 31

Publish Date: October 15, 2012  |   Single/Total View: 148/442   |   Single/Total Download: 270/713

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Abstract

Education for active citizenship has been a key development in social policy over the past two decades, leading to a number of initiatives that have sought to strengthen political, social and moral literacy. This paper briefly reviews the UK policy context by situating this within communitarian definitions of citizenship. Despite the growth of initiatives designed to promote active citizenship, there has been comparatively little focus on the role of universities in addressing locally based civic, social and political challenges. Drawing on literature and a case-study of an innovative university community engagement project, this paper investigates to what extent universities can ' and should ' play a more active role in their local communities. In doing so, the paper argues that a potential ‗public good‘ value of universities can emerge.

Keywords: University community engagement; citizenship; civic education; service learning

How to Cite this Article?

APA 7th edition
Wood, J. (2012). The University as a Public Good: Active citizenship and university community engagement. International Journal of Progressive Education, 8(3), 15-31.

Harvard
Wood, J. (2012). The University as a Public Good: Active citizenship and university community engagement. International Journal of Progressive Education, 8(3), pp. 15-31.

Chicago 16th edition
Wood, Jason (2012). "The University as a Public Good: Active citizenship and university community engagement". International Journal of Progressive Education 8 (3):15-31.

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