Includes bibliographical references (p. 329-345) and indexes.

Citizenship, politics, and civic engagement -- The role of higher education in preparing citizens -- The open inquiry imperative -- Creating environments of open inquiry -- Teaching for political knowledge and understanding -- Teaching democratic participation skills -- Fostering political motivation -- Learning through discussion and deliberation -- Learning through political research and action projects -- Learning through speakers and mentors -- Learning through placements, internships, and service learning -- Learning through structured reflection -- Putting the pieces together.

This book reports the results of a study of educational practices at the college level that prepare students for high quality democratic participation. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data from this study, the book articulates the most important goals of education for democratic participation, as they play out in practice, and provides rich accounts of key educational strategies that can be used to accomplish these goals. It also offers a theoretical statement of the importance, legitimacy, and feasibility of educating for democratic participation as well as a practical handbook, providing clear guidance to faculty and administrators wishing to help their students gain the understanding, skills, and motivation they need to be fully engaged in political life, broadly defined.

Description based on print version record.