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Institute of American Civics

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Engaging Citizens and Renewing the Republic

Academics

Programs

Tocqueville Program

Tennessee State Capitol building

Institute of American Civics

In a time of proliferating distrust and political polarization, the Institute of American Civics presents a remarkable opportunity to address these challenges, beginning with undergraduates on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, campus and then extending more broadly to the entire UT system and to the State of Tennessee as a whole. The institute is committed to improving civic knowledge and civil discourse through courses, student programs, public events, and k-12 outreach.

With a strong bipartisan backing, the 112th Tennessee General Assembly created the the Institute of American Civics to strengthen civic education and participation while reviving thoughtfulness, civility and respect for opposing viewpoints in national discourse.

More about the Founding and Role of the IAC

“This will be a flagship for the nation—a beacon celebrating intellectual diversity at our universities and teaching how a responsible, civic-minded people strengthens our country and our communities.”

—Tennessee Governor Bill Lee

NEWS

  • Dunn co-authors new report, Experiential Civic Learning for American Democracy–A Portrait of the Field June 23, 2025
  • TN Civics Academy 2025
    UT’s Institute of American Civics to host 125 teachers for TN Civics Academy  June 23, 2025
  • IAC’s Busch’s “The Comeback” Details National Election June 16, 2025
  • headshot of AB Culvahouse
    Ambassador A.B. Culvahouse Speaks at Cumberland University CommencementMay 15, 2025

Sign Up for IAC Updates

Institute of American Civics

1640 Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3340
Phone: 865-974-0931
Fax: 865-974-3889
Email: civics@utk.edu

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
865-974-1000

The flagship campus of the University of Tennessee System and partner in the Tennessee Transfer Pathway.

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