CIVC 101, "Introduction to Civic Engagement," is a required first-year course for Drexel undergraduate students. The course is designed to be students’ introduction to civic engagement and what it means to be responsible, socially-conscious citizens of Philadelphia and the world. Students learn the broad definition of civic engagement and critically examine key concepts related to civic and community engagement, including identity and social location, community, and systems of power. As a community-based learning course, students not only discuss these concepts in class but also experience and apply them in real world situations through community engagement experiences—direct service, attending events, exploring social issues, etc. The course provides ample opportunities to reflect on course concepts and engagement experiences, plus students will learn how to advance their knowledge and practice of these concepts beyond the course. 

The Learning Outcomes of the course say that students will be able to: 

• Define civic engagement and community engagement and key concepts such as identity, community, and systems of power. 
• Practice skills related to civic engagement (self-awareness, relationship building, dialogue, reflection, etc.) in real-world situations through direct community engagement.  
• Identify social issues connected to community engagement experiences, and be able to identify and critically examine additional social issues in class. 
• Envision their own identity as an active, engaged, responsible citizen.  
• Recognize how effective individual actions can affect social change.
• Identify examples of power and privilege and be able to explain their impact in everyday life.

CIVC 101 is taught by adjunct faculty who are leaders in education, government and the nonprofit sector throughout the Philadelphia region. While there is a standardized curriculum for the course, each instructor may add their own area of expertise to the content. Interested in teaching CIVC 101? If you have experience with facilitation and a deep understanding of civic engagement and social change, either through personal or professional practice, you are welcome to email Cara Scharf, Associate Director of Civic Learning, at any time to get more information about teaching CIVC 101. Please note that, while we accept applications on a rolling basis, we usually only hire once a year in the fall (October/November) for people who can start teaching in the following winter term.  

Each CIVC 101 section also has a Course Assistant, an undergraduate peer leader who participates in the class and assists enrolled students through their engagement experience. If you are a student interested in becoming a peer leader in CIVC 101, please visit the CIVC 101 Course Assistant page. 

Students currently enrolled in CIVC 101 can find all information related to the course in BlackBoard Learn. If you need assistance and can't get in touch with your instructor or Course Assistant, you are welcome to reach out to the CIVC 101 team at CIVC101@drexel.edu.