Is there a difference between civic and academic knowledge, attitudes, and skills?
In addition to relevant academic content (“knowledge”), many values, skills, attitudes, and dispositions, etc. that students acquire through their academic studies also have a place in civic life. Here are some areas of academic development and the areas of civic development to which they correspond:
| Academic Capacity | Civic Capacity |
| Disciplinary Knowledge | Policy-relevant knowledge |
| Personal and Social Responsibility Diversity Sustainability Global Engagement |
These are also civic beliefs, attitudes and dispositions. |
| Critical Thinking Active Inquiry Creativity |
These are cognitive skills needed for civic life. |
| Oral Communication Written Communication |
These are key participatory skills. |
| Judgment | Because certainty can be elusive, judgment often is required in both intellectual and civic life. |
Return to the Frequently Asked Questions page.

