The Academy of American Civic Republicanism at UWF is Florida’s premier academy for teaching and research on civic republicanism in the classical tradition. Join the quest to revive robust citizenship grounded in the American Founding.
What is Civic Republicanism?
Civic republicanism is a tradition of political thought that emphasizes the responsibilities of citizenship, the importance of civic virtue and the pursuit of the common good. At its core is the belief that a free society depends not only on good laws and institutions, but also on citizens who are informed, engaged and willing to participate in public life. Rooted in the ideas of ancient Greece and Rome and later influential in the American founding, civic republicanism encourages self-government, open debate and a balance of powers designed to protect liberty and prevent corruption. The Academy of American Civic Republicanism explores these ideas and their continuing relevance to American civic and constitutional life.
Our Mission
The mission of the Academy of American Civic Republicanism at the University of West Florida is to serve as Florida’s premier center for teaching and research on civic republicanism in the classical tradition, drawing upon the principles of the American Founding, constitutional studies, and the classical view of citizenship as a necessary condition for self-government. As an academy dedicated to reviving robust citizenship, the academy will facilitate rigorous, respectful civil discourse grounded in primary sources and Socratic inquiry. The Academy cultivates informed citizens and statesmen committed to self-government, civic virtue, and the enduring ideals of the American republic.
What We Offer
- Two week-long Summer Institutes and virtual webinars for 60 K-12 educators each year.
- Undergraduate courses and future minor/BA programs.
- Public guest lectures, debates, and an annual conference with FCDI debate tournament.
- Community projects, research, and open-licensed teaching resources.
Join the Conversation
Explore our programs, register for events, or learn how the Academy is preparing the next generation of civic leaders. All programming is grounded in primary sources, place-based learning in historic Pensacola, and respectful civil discourse.
