Academic Programs

The institute’s academic programs foster a deeper understanding of the structures and institutions of federal, state, and local government, further the understanding of the principles and philosophies that contributed to the foundation and development of the United States and the state of Tennessee, promote civil discourse and constructive debate, and enhance education on the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship and fundamental constitutional principles.

Courses

Our course offerings fulfill requirements in the Vol Core curriculum, the Law and Policy concentration in the Baker School, and the masters programs in Public Affairs and Public Policy.

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A photo of Bill Lyons giving a lecture at the Constitutional Conversations event on September 1, 2022

Students gather at Alex Haley Heritage Square in Knoxville

Minor

The American Civics minor includes 3 credit hours of prerequisite courses from the Vol Core, 15 credit hours of required courses, and one upper-division IAC 3-credit course selected by the student.

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Certificates

The Institute of American Civics currently offers two certificates: the American Civics Certificate and the Constitutional Studies Certificate. Students at all levels are encouraged to consider whether the certificate fits with their career goals and academic plans. Please fill out the interest form and learn more about the curricula below.

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Professor John Scheb and Harvard Professor Danielle Allen speaking with students.