To Restore American Democracy Political Education and the Modern University

by Calvert, Robert E.; Barber, Benjamin R.; Bottoms, Robert G.; Elshtain, Jean Bethke; Galston, William A.; Gitlin, Todd; Holmes, Stephen; Rouner, Leroy; Sandel, Michael J.; Stewart, James B.; Sunstein, Cass R.; Walzer, Michael; Wilkins, Roger; Wolfe, Alan

• ISBN13: 9780742534551
• ISBN10: 0742534553
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-12-09
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Summary

At a time when democracy in America suffers from a profound sense of cynicism, lack of trust, and disengagement, especially among young adults, this book is a much needed antidote. Here are original essays by some of the most distinguished and insightful political thinkers of our time. No armchair observers, they have advised presidents, been public servants, testified before Congress, helped other countries draft constitutions, worked as journalists, and won teaching awards. They participate ardently in the polity and civil society they write about here. The main focus of the essays is what role universities might be able to play in reviving a sense of citizenship and civic responsibility in our society. They represent different perspectives and differing opinions, making this a rich stimulus for discussion and action. At stake is nothing less than the future strength of democracy in the United States.

Table of Contents

Foreword, Robert G. Bottoms	vii
Acknowledgments	xi
1 Political Education and the Modern University: Prologue	1	(28)
Robert E. Calvert
2 Between Resignation and Utopia: Political Education in the Modern American University	29	(16)
William A. Galston
3 Liberal Education and the Civic Project	45	(10)
Michael J. Sandel
4 The Media, the Mall, and the Multiplex: America's Invisible Tutors and the End of Citizenship	55	(24)
Benjamin R. Barber
5 The Values of Media, the Values of Citizenship, and the Values of Higher Education	79	(16)
Todd Gitlin
6 Public Spaces and MyUniversity.com	95	(22)
Cass R. Sunstein
7 The Culture of Expedience: Liberal Education Meets the "Real" World	117	(20)
James B. Stewart
8 Education and Character in an Age of Moral Freedom	137	(18)
Alan Wolfe
9 Democracy, Character, and the University	155	(16)
Leroy S. Rouser
10 How Do We Talk? God Talk and American Political Life	171	(14)
Jean Bethke Elshtain
11 Plato's Dogs: Reflections on the University after 9/11	185	(20)
Stephen Holmes
12 The Civic Education of a Black American in a Great Big World	205	(12)
Roger Wilkins
13 Moral Education and Democratic Citizenship	217	(14)
Michael Walter
14 Utopias Gone Wrong: The Antipolitical Culture of the Modern University and How to Change It	231	(34)
Robert E. Calvert
Index	265	(10)
About the Editor and Contributors	275