Course Code: PAK 102

Credit Hours: 3 (or 45 contact hours)

Delivery Format: Hybrid (In-person or Online + Discussion Forums + Practical Exercises)

Prerequisites: None — open to all adults

Program Context

This course forms the foundational module in the Certificate in Civic and Legal Literacy, designed for adults seeking to understand and navigate the structures, rights, and responsibilities of civic life. The program addresses the widespread lack of civic and legal knowledge in contemporary societies and aims to empower citizens to make informed, ethical, and confident decisions in legal, political, and community contexts.

Course Overview

This course introduces the essential knowledge and skills adults need to function as informed citizens and competent participants in civic and legal systems. Students will gain a practical understanding of constitutional principles, government structure, rights and duties, legal documents, and real-world applications such as voting, contracts, and dispute resolution.

The course blends lecture, discussion, simulation, and case study analysis to foster both intellectual understanding and practical competence.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain the basic structure and function of federal, state, and local governments. Identify key civil and legal rights and obligations of individuals. Interpret simple legal and civic documents (contracts, leases, ballots, etc.). Engage meaningfully with public officials and civic institutions. Recognize misinformation, bias, and manipulative rhetoric in civic contexts. Apply legal and civic knowledge to everyday decisions as workers, consumers, and voters. Develop a plan for lifelong civic engagement and legal self-education.

Target Audience

Adults seeking general education or reentry into civic life Immigrants or newly naturalized citizens Community volunteers, local leaders, and activists Employees in sectors requiring compliance or public interaction Homeschool parents and educators Retirees interested in civic participation

Course Structure

Duration: 10 weeks

Contact Hours: 4.5 hours per week (3 instructional + 1.5 discussion or lab)

Assessment: Continuous evaluation (participation, quizzes, project, reflection)

Weekly Outline

Week 1: The Purpose and Promise of Civic and Legal Literacy

Orientation to course goals and expectations The meaning of citizenship and civic responsibility Overview of the U.S. constitutional framework (or local equivalent) Discussion: “What does it mean to be a good citizen today?” Assignment: Personal Civic Autobiography (500 words)

Week 2: Understanding Government Structure

Separation of powers and levels of government Local vs. national authority How laws are made and implemented Case Study: “From City Hall to Congress” — tracing one law’s journey Quiz: Structure of government Activity: Diagram your local government

Week 3: The Rule of Law and Everyday Justice

What “rule of law” means in practice Civil vs. criminal law How courts work: trial, appeal, mediation Case analysis: Small claims vs. criminal prosecution Workshop: Understanding a court summons or complaint form

Week 4: Rights, Duties, and Public Ethics

The Bill of Rights and its real-world implications Due process, equal protection, and privacy Duties: taxes, jury duty, lawful conduct Reflection: The moral basis of law Discussion: When do personal conscience and law conflict?

Week 5: Contracts, Consent, and Common Legal Documents

What makes a contract binding Employment, lease, and digital agreements Understanding consumer rights and fraud Exercise: Analyze a sample contract for fairness Assignment: Draft a short personal contract (e.g., for a freelance service)

Week 6: Civic Participation and Political Literacy

How to register and vote How to contact representatives effectively Evaluating sources and media bias Case study: Reading a real ballot measure or campaign ad Workshop: Writing an advocacy letter or email to a public official

Week 7: Digital Citizenship and the Law

Privacy, data protection, and surveillance Cybercrime, online defamation, and intellectual property Responsible social media engagement Discussion: “Is free speech different online?” Activity: Analyze a social media case involving legal consequences

Week 8: The Economy of Citizenship

Taxes, labor rights, and consumer protection Understanding wages, benefits, and employment law Financial literacy and legal safeguards Exercise: Interpreting a paycheck or tax form Quiz: Economic and legal literacy basics

Week 9: Local Community and Public Service

Volunteering and community governance How civic groups and nonprofits shape society Case Study: The role of local boards and commissions Workshop: Plan a civic engagement project

Week 10: Synthesis and Application

Review of key principles Reflection: From literacy to leadership Presentation of final projects Certificate ceremony or capstone forum Final Project: Create a “Citizen’s Handbook” — a short guide to civic participation and legal awareness for one’s community

Learning Activities

Interactive Lectures: Present core concepts through visuals and real-life examples. Case Studies: Examine real events or court cases. Simulations: Mock trials, city council meetings, and voting exercises. Discussion Circles: Peer sharing on rights, duties, and community roles. Applied Assignments: Reading real contracts, drafting letters, analyzing media.

Assessment Plan

Component

Weight

Description

Participation & Discussions

20%

Attendance and engagement in civic dialogues

Quizzes (3 total)

15%

Tests on government structure, legal basics, and digital law

Assignments (4 total)

25%

Civic autobiography, contract analysis, letter to official, reflection essay

Final Project

30%

“Citizen’s Handbook” or community action plan

Reflection Journal

10%

Ongoing documentation of civic learning

Materials

Required Texts:

Civic and Legal Literacy for Adults: A Textbook (companion volume to the white paper) Selected readings from constitutions, charters, and foundational legal documents

Supplementary Resources:

Local government websites Public library legal self-help guides Nonpartisan civic education media (e.g., iCivics, Ballotpedia, state bar foundations)

Certification and Continuing Education

Upon completion, participants receive a Certificate in Civic and Legal Literacy, demonstrating competence in:

Understanding basic legal and civic structures Applying rights and obligations in real contexts Communicating effectively with institutions Contributing constructively to civic life

Graduates may continue into specialized certificates such as:

Public Policy and Civic Leadership Community Advocacy and Mediation Digital Citizenship and Law

Instructor Qualifications

Instructors should have at least one of the following:

J.D. or M.P.A. with teaching experience Experience in public administration, civic education, or legal aid Proven ability to translate complex legal concepts into accessible instruction

Program Outcomes

At the certificate level, learners will:

Demonstrate foundational civic competence and confidence Read and understand everyday legal documents Recognize misinformation and unethical governance Advocate for themselves and others within lawful systems Foster a civic culture of dialogue, responsibility, and justice