Hunt, Bradley Named Political Engagement Scholars

Two Illinois State University professors have been chosen as Carnegie Foundation/AASCU Political Engagement Scholars.  Stephen Hunt, School of Communication, and Robert Bradley, Politics and Government, were chosen for the honor based on their leadership roles in the University’s Political Engagement Project (PEP).

As Political Engagement Scholars, Hunt and Bradley will expand on their work of helping faculty members incorporate political awareness and engagement activities into the University’s general education curriculum. Their work on political engagement activities on campus will continue to serve as a model for similar programs at other universities participating in PEP.

Carlye Kalianov, assistant director of University College, is beginning her third year as a University Political Engagement Fellow.  Kalianov works with faculty members to incorporate political awareness and engagement activities into the First Year LinC seminars, which help new students with study skills and facilitate the transition into university life.

Hunt will also serve as co-director of Illinois State’s American Democracy Project (ADP) for the 2007-2008 academic year along with Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Brent Paterson.  Associate Provost Jan Shane serves as coordinator of the University’s Political Engagement Project. 

Illinois State is one of eight universities across the nation specifically chosen to participate in the project, directed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.  PEP is a special initiative of the American Democracy Project, a multi-campus program that fosters civic engagement by undergraduates enrolled at member institutions of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). 

The work done by Hunt, Bradley and Kalianov to help faculty incorporate political engagement topics into general education and First Year LinC courses continues to generate a positive reaction from both faculty and students.  Professors and instructors are encouraged to engage students in activities and discussions that focus on how the political process impacts the particular subject of the class.                                                    

“The idea of including political topics in a course can seem daunting, especially if the course is not primarily about politics,” said Bradley.  “However, political issues, both big and small, have a great deal of impact on our daily lives.  Including activities that raise student awareness of that fact are a great way to introduce the subject.  People do not need to start a revolution to be politically engaged.  Simply being better informed about civic and political issues is an excellent start.”

Politics does not have to be a taboo subject outside of political science classes.  Getting students to consider and discuss a wide array of current political topics is at the heart of Hunt’s efforts to make political engagement part of the COM 110: Communication as Critical Inquiry classes in the School of Communication.  “Faculty members have found incorporating political issues into class assignments to be easier than they thought it would be,” said Hunt.  “I always stress that the Political Engagement Project is non-partisan.  The project’s goal is to get students to think critically about the political process and be active citizens, not sway their political beliefs.”    

In addition to work with the general education curriculum, the University’s Political Engagement Project is also involved in larger campus initiatives such as continued voter registration drives, involving registered student organizations in community service projects and an American government study tour to Washington, D.C.

For more information on the Political Engagement Project visit www.americandemocracy.ilstu.edu/pep