OLLI0130 - The U.S. Citizenship Exam as a Window into the Study of Advanced Civics

Course Description

Thomas Jefferson wrote that “an enlightened citizenry is indispensable for the proper functioning of a republic.” Yet, a 2018 survey by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation concluded that approximately two thirds of American citizens would fail the citizenship exam. While acknowledging that many of those who choose to attend this course will come with an impressive understanding of American civics, my goal is to deepen that understanding and foster a discussion that examines who we are as a people. In this course we will: (i) test our knowledge of the citizenship exam questions, (ii) examine our founding documents, (iii) discuss political writings that influenced our government structure, (iv) take a deep dive into the federal branches of government, (v) revisit some early American history, and (vi) talk some about American geography. Recordings will be available to all registrants in order to serve those that prefer not to meet in person. We ask that all attending class in person are vaccinated.