Short Courses: Learning for Democracy: Lessons in Power and Persuasion

July 21, 2025 APSA Annual Meeting, Civic Engagement, Political Science Education, Pre-Conference Short Courses, Professional Development, Public Engagement, Teaching and Learning, Uncategorized, Workshops Comments Off

Learning for Democracy: Lessons in Power and Persuasion

Half Day Short Course
9:00am – 1:00pm

Despite the fact that many of the world’s greatest challenges; climate change, inequality, discrimination, domestic violence, are inherently political, opportunities to develop practical political skills and understanding remain limited. Learning for Democracy: Lessons in Power and Persuasion is a highly participatory short course designed to address this gap by equipping educators with methods for teaching non-partisan, action-oriented politics in classrooms and beyond.

Led by longtime civic educator and democracy advocate Titus Alexander, this workshop offers a toolbox of engaging strategies for teaching political problem-solving, democratic participation, and campaign development. Participants will explore how to build classroom learning communities, use teachable moments to discuss controversial issues constructively, base assignments on real-world action, and apply systems thinking and Theories of Change in political education. Depending on the interests and experience of participants, additional topics may include solutions-focused facilitation, campaign planning, and strategies for democratic education across the curriculum.

Participants will leave with a wealth of practical materials—including teaching templates, slides, and downloadable resources like Practical Politics: Lessons in Power and Democracy—as well as renewed inspiration for fostering civic engagement in their own institutions and communities.

Instructor Bio:
Titus Alexander brings over 40 years of experience in civic education, leadership, and advocacy. He has worked across local, national, and international initiatives; contributed to APSA and the World Forum for Democracy; and authored publications on practical politics, family learning, and global inequality. He is founder of Democracy Matters and currently teaches campaigning and leadership for the UK’s largest trade union.

📘 Download Practical Politics: Lessons in Power and Democracy: click here
📘 Read the case for practical politics in universities: click here

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