So how does the American political system work? Who are some of the key actors? What are key concepts for a student trying to understand what’s going on? How can I as a citizen influence politics?
Civic Engagement in American Democracy takes on these and other key questions. We’re Dr. Nicholas Carnes and Dr. Bruce Jentleson, the principal course instructors. Along with our Duke faculty colleagues who also contributed modules, we’ve designed the course to provide a strong foundational introduction to US politics.
If you’re new to this material, proceed through the modules one by one and build up your knowledge of politics and government. If some of the material is familiar, go ahead and set your own pace. Either way we hope Civic Engagement in American Democracy helps you be an effective student in more advanced politics courses and/or an engaged citizen in 21st century America.
What's included
1 video1 reading
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 2 minutes
Introduction•2 minutes
1 reading•Total 5 minutes
Report a problem in the course•5 minutes
Who are the key players?
Module 2•7 hours to complete
Module details
This week we'll learn who is who in American Democracy.
What's included
8 videos4 readings9 assignments
Show info about module content
8 videos•Total 70 minutes
Legislatures•7 minutes
The Presidency•9 minutes
Courts•7 minutes
Bureaucracy•7 minutes
Media and Politics•13 minutes
Political Parties•7 minutes
Interest Groups•7 minutes
Social Movements•14 minutes
4 readings•Total 120 minutes
Resources•10 minutes
Resources•90 minutes
Resources•10 minutes
Resources•10 minutes
9 assignments•Total 222 minutes
Who are the Key Players?•0 minutes
Legislatures•12 minutes
The Presidency•30 minutes
Courts•30 minutes
Bureaucracy•30 minutes
Media and Politics•30 minutes
Parties•30 minutes
Interest Groups•30 minutes
Social Movements•30 minutes
How do the players fit together?
Module 3•4 hours to complete
Module details
This week we'll learn how American Democracy is structured and how forces—internal and external—affect it.
What's included
5 videos3 readings6 assignments
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 37 minutes
The Constitution•9 minutes
Federalism•7 minutes
Globalization•7 minutes
Political Accountability•7 minutes
Structural Inequality•7 minutes
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
Resources•10 minutes
Resources•10 minutes
Resources•10 minutes
6 assignments•Total 150 minutes
How do the players fit together?•0 minutes
The Constitution•30 minutes
Federalism•30 minutes
Globalization•30 minutes
Political Accountability•30 minutes
Structural Inequality•30 minutes
How do citizens influence politics?
Module 4•3 hours to complete
Module details
This week we'll learn how American citizens can affect their political system.
What's included
5 videos5 readings6 assignments
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 28 minutes
Staying Informed•10 minutes
Voting•2 minutes
Contacting Elected Officials•2 minutes
Protesting•7 minutes
Advocacy and Campaigning•7 minutes
5 readings•Total 50 minutes
Resources•10 minutes
Resources•10 minutes
Resources•10 minutes
Resources•10 minutes
Share your learning experience•10 minutes
6 assignments•Total 130 minutes
How do citizens influence politics?•0 minutes
Staying Informed•30 minutes
Voting•30 minutes
Contacting Elected Officials•10 minutes
Protest•30 minutes
Advocacy and Campaigning•30 minutes
Instructors
Instructor ratings
Instructor ratings
We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
Duke University has about 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students and a world-class faculty helping to expand the frontiers of knowledge. The university has a strong commitment to applying knowledge in service to society, both near its North Carolina campus and around the world.
Will I receive a transcript from Duke University for completing this course?
No. Completion of a Coursera course does not earn you academic credit from Duke; therefore, Duke is not able to provide you with a university transcript. However, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.