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Associate Professor Angela McGowan-Kirsch has edited a book on fostering democratic engagement among college students.

“Encouraging College Students’ Democratic Engagement in an Era of Political Polarization” features contributions from revered scholars in the field, offering diverse perspectives on dialogic and deliberative pedagogies, civility, civic education and the social contract.

“These insights position educators to help students learn about democracy through experiences and teach them strategies for engaging in productive disagreement – essential steps for active democratic engagement beyond the classroom,” Dr. McGowan-Kirsch, of the Department of Communication, commented about the book.

Institutions of higher learning can be a powerful influence in instilling in young adults a democratic spirit. With eroding confidence in the stability of democratic institutions, particularly elections, educators are tasked with fostering an active citizenry." - Dr. Angela McGowan-Kirsch

The scholarly work explores the pivotal role that higher education institutions play in cultivating students’ civic participation. It presents a collection of pedagogical strategies designed to equip students with essential citizenship skills, such as expressing opinions, collaborating effectively, and engaging in meaningful dialogue and civic reasoning,” McGowan-Kirsch explained.

“By fostering these competencies, educators can prepare students to navigate and address pressing national and local issues constructively. The publication of this book is particularly timely, as recent studies highlight the increasing political engagement among college students,” she said.

In a political climate described as polarized and hostile, it can be difficult to promote discussion that welcomes diverse opinions, ideologies and preferences, McGowan-Kirsch said. “This is particularly true on college campuses.”

Insights shared by the contributors have shaped McGowan-Kirsch’s approach to teaching, research and her work with the campus’ American Democracy Project committee.

“Institutions of higher learning can be a powerful influence in instilling in young adults a democratic spirit. With eroding confidence in the stability of democratic institutions, particularly elections, educators are tasked with fostering an active citizenry,” McGowan-Kirsch said.

The book’s key principles, such as civility and collaboration, guide McGowan-Kirsch’s efforts to help students develop the skills needed to engage meaningfully in democracy. She argues that these principles are essential for students' growth as thoughtful, active citizens.

McGowan-Kirsch, who joined the SUNY Fredonia faculty in 2015, is dedicated to teaching the critical skills of active citizenship to students. 

The book, the culmination of McGowan-Kirsch’s sabbatical taken during the Fall 2023 semester, is published by Lexington Books, an imprint of Rowman & Littlefield.

McGowan-Kirsch is also chair of the American Democracy Project committee, which educates students to engage in civic issues through participatory democracy, and coordinator of the Leadership Studies minor. Her scholarship has been published in journals that include the Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Atlantic Journal of Communication, Journal of Communication Pedagogy and Communication Teacher.