Engaging Citizenship: An Introduction to Political Science

Engaging Citizenship uses one key concept-citizenship-as a gateway to teach students about the subfields of political science. Students are introduced to the critical questions, concepts, and theories addressed by each subfield, framed through the lens of citizenship in a way that helps students build connections across all chapters. Covering all major subfields of Political Science, the book introduces students to the broad scope of the discipline and the different ways each subfield studies key questions of politics, democracy, and citizenship. In addition, the text emphasizes student-centered active learning pedagogy-civic engagement activities throughout the text allow students to cultivate the skills needed for democratic citizenship. Through this innovative approach, Engaging Citizenship conveys the importance and value of democratic engagement and highlights the relevance of politics to students’ lives.

Lauren Balasco, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Political Science (Stockton University): Lauren Balasco writes on issues within the fields of Comparative Politics and Human Rights, with an emphasis on political change, transitional justice, and human security.

Claire Abernathy, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Political Science (Stockton University): Jennifer Forestal’s research interests include platform design and governance, digital culture, democratic theory, and civic engagement

Jennifer Forestal, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Political Science (Loyola University Chicago): Claire Abernathy specializes in American Politics, and her research interests include legislative politics, representation, constituent engagement, and civic education. She currently serves as Faculty Chair of the Stockton American Democracy Project/Political Engagement Project.