National Constitution Center and Arizona State University Launch New

The course will explore classical virtues such as **humility**, **resolution**, **temperance**, and **justice** through the lives of figures like **George Washington**, **Phillis Wheatley**, **Abigail and John Adams**, **Frederick Douglass**, and **Abraham Lincoln**. Developed in collaboration with ASU's **Principled Innovation Initiative**, the **College of Liberal Arts and Sciences**, and the **EdPlus team**, the course will be hosted on the ASU platform and accessible via the National Constitution Center's website. For additional context on the historical figures mentioned, visit [[george-washington|George Washington]] and [[abraham-lincoln|Abraham Lincoln]]. The course is a key part of the National Constitution Center's broader initiative to expand access to transformative civic education, with the goal of inspiring learners to engage more deeply with American ideals and with one another. Explore the connection between civic education and democracy at [[democracy-and-education|Democracy and Education]].

• The National Constitution Center and Arizona State University are launching a new online course on civic virtue
• The course is titled What the Founders Meant by “Happiness”: A Journey Through Virtue and Character
• The course will launch in early 2026
• The course is designed to be fully open and self-paced, with no registration required
• The course will feature an optional certificate of completion for learners

The new online course offered by the National Constitution Center and Arizona State University provides a unique opportunity for learners to explore the philosophical foundations of the American experiment. The course's focus on classical ideas of virtue, character, and happiness will likely appeal to learners interested in history, philosophy, and civic education. However, the course's impact on civic engagement and democracy remains to be seen. As **Michael M. Crow** noted, the course is part of a broader effort to provide quality learning opportunities that expand civic knowledge and support the pillars that advance democracy. For more information on the role of education in democracy, visit [[education-and-democracy|Education and Democracy]]. The course's design and delivery will be crucial in determining its effectiveness in inspiring learners to engage more deeply with American ideals and with one another. Explore the connection between education and civic engagement at [[education-and-civic-engagement|Education and Civic Engagement]].

This course has the potential to inspire a new generation of civic leaders by providing a deeper understanding of the philosophical foundations of the American experiment. By exploring the classical ideas of virtue, character, and happiness that shaped the nation's founding, learners will gain a richer appreciation for the importance of civic character and its role in maintaining a healthy democracy. As **Jeffrey Rosen** noted, the course reflects the shared belief that civic education must be rooted not just in constitutional knowledge but also in civic character. For more on the importance of civic character, visit [[civic-character|Civic Character]]. The course's focus on classical virtues such as humility, resolution, temperance, and justice will provide learners with a framework for developing their own civic character and engaging more deeply with American ideals. Learn about the impact of civic education on communities at [[civic-education-and-communities|Civic Education and Communities]].

The new online course may not be as effective in inspiring civic engagement and democracy as its creators hope. The course's focus on classical ideas of virtue, character, and happiness may not resonate with all learners, particularly those who are more interested in contemporary issues and challenges. Additionally, the course's online format may not provide the same level of engagement and interaction as in-person learning experiences. As **Jeffrey Rosen** and **Michael M. Crow** have noted, the course is part of a broader effort to expand access to transformative civic education, but it remains to be seen whether this effort will be successful. For more on the challenges of online civic education, visit [[online-civic-education|Online Civic Education]]. The course's lack of credit or formal recognition may also limit its appeal to learners who are seeking more traditional educational experiences. Learn about the limitations of online education at [[online-education-limitations|Online Education Limitations]].

Originally reported by The National Constitution Center