University and Civic Engagement: Organizational Aspects
University and Civic Engagement: Organizational Aspects

Summary/Abstract: It is widely recognized that universities of today must assume a leading responsibility for research and education for democracy and democratic citizenship, yet most universities in Lithuania and wider Europe still heavily rely on traditional practices in administration, transference of knowledge and research. The forces pushing today’s universities toward civic engagement include an effort to deal with increasing criticisms of higher education and contradictory views of educational goals in US and throughout Europe. The aim of the article is to present the trends of policy developments for democratic citizenship through education in Europe, the methods and strategies of partnership between universities and their potential partners as well as to discuss the critical factors that facilitate civic engagement or pose obstacles for democratic partnerships. The study is based on the review of Lithuanian and international scientific literature and policy documents about the organizational aspects of civic engagement by the institutions of higher education in Europe and the US.

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