Teaching American Civics I
An introduction to the foundational principles and thought of American government through the reading of primary sources and documents
In this course, students will analyze sources and topics such as the Declaration of Independence, branches of the federal government, and principles of the U.S. Constitution. The course content will focus on improving civic literacy for elementary and secondary level teachers and average citizens.
Course participants will read and analyze a range of primary sources that will help them teach civic topics. From the Mayflower Compact and the Articles of Confederation to the writings of twentieth-century presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt, students will develop a deep understanding of theories and practices of American government across the nation’s history. Assessments in this course include regular reading quizzes and reflection papers. The final project asks teachers to create a lesson or unit plan that demonstrates how to incorporate concepts and primary source readings from the course into a current or future course that will meet state standards.
This synchronous course is entirely virtual, and is taught by Dr. Benjamin Gross, Associate Professor of History at Jacksonville State University this June to early July.
This course is open to active teachers in any state. Teachers will receive 3 graduate credits from Jacksonville State University upon completion of the course.
Credit from this course can transfer or apply:
- 3 credits to the UVU M.A. in Constitutional Government, Civics, and Law
3 credits to the Jacksonville State University M.S.E. in Secondary Social Studies Education
PSC 5500-001: Teaching American Civics I
- Week 1: June 22 – June 26, 9:30am – 11:30am CT and 1pm – 3pm CT
- Week 2: June 29 – July 3, 9:30am – 11:30am CT and 1pm – 3pm CT
The deadline to apply is May 8, 2026. Please direct any questions to JMC Graduate Consortium Manager, Moyra Eaton, at meaton@gojmc.org.
This course is a part of the Jack Miller Center’s Civics Foundations Graduate Consortium, which seeks to provide K-12 teachers with high-impact graduate education centered around American civics and history. Click the link below to read more about the consortium and explore other available courses.