University Honors Program Examines Democracy's Discontent
University Communications
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By Leigh DuPuy
UMass Boston's Honors Program held a unique orientation for its students this fall as part of the convocation series "Civic Education for Civic Responsibility." Forty-nine honors students participated in a shared reading forum, discussing Michael Sandel's Democracy's Discontent: America in Search of a Public Philosophy in a two-part program with their peers and the author on September 21.
Freshman and senior honors students read Democracy's Discontent in preparation for orientation day, which began at the Healey Library. Students and faculty took part in an afternoon discussion group and welcome reception for new honors students. They also attended a dinner at the John F. Kennedy Library and participated in a question-and-answer period with Michael Sandel.
The format was a different one for the program. "We received a grant from the Board of Higher Education to experiment with new forms," explained Monica McAlpine, director of the University Honors Program. "We were able to use the grant and matching funds from the University to create a shared reading program, including providing the books for the students, faculty, and other guests.
"The book is very challenging," said McAlpine. The program was designed to provide opportunities for discussion and questions prior to meeting with Professor Sandel. Eight seasoned honors students served as facilitators for these discussions. Students also had the chance to discuss the book in their Honors English sections.
Author Michael Sandel, professor of government at Harvard University, is a strong advocate of civic values and leadership. In his book, Sandel outlines two distinct political philosophies implicit in practices of public life in America, "republican political theory" and "the liberalism of the procedural republic." He contrasts the two ideologies, discusses the importance of moral values, and advocates returning to a "republican philosophy" as one that better prepares citizens for civic life in a democracy.
The book has received enthusiastic praise. Meredith Ramsey, UMass Boston professor of political science, commented, "When someone asked me what scholarly work has excited me the most in recent years, my answer was, 'Hands down, Democracy's Discontent by Michael Sandel."