What does democracy look like beyond textbooks and classroom lectures?
For a group of Temple University students, the answer came through the Foundations of Democracy program, an immersive early-term experience that took students from historic Philadelphia to the center of American government in Washington, D.C.
The program launched during Temple’s early-term start in January and brought together 19 students from multiple majors to explore themes of democracy, power, politics and protest.
The idea began when faculty member Tyler proposed a course focused on understanding how democracy functions in practice. After developing a detailed proposal, the program was approved and launched with a co-teaching team to guide students through the experience.
“We wanted students to see democracy not just as theory, but as something that’s alive and evolving,” one instructor explained.
Learning Where History Happened
The experience began in Philadelphia, where students spent two days studying the historical foundations of American democracy.
Highlights included a guest lecture from an appellate court judge discussing the Constitutional Convention, visits to historic sites in Old City, and a private workshop and tour at the Museum of the American Revolution.
These early sessions helped students understand the historical context behind the nation’s founding principles before seeing how those principles operate today.
From History to the Heart of Government
The program then moved to Washington, D.C., where students explored the modern institutions that shape American politics.
The cohort visited the U.S. State Department, where they learned about programs that promote American culture and diplomacy abroad. Students also visited Spectrum News, where a Temple alumnus working as a reporter covering Capitol Hill and the White House discussed the role of journalism in political coverage.
Another highlight was a visit to Capitol Hill, where students met with staff from the offices of Pennsylvania’s U.S. senators. Standing near the Capitol afterward, students reflected on the experience and discussed the realities of policymaking and public service.
“For me, that moment was exciting,” one instructor said. “You’re standing right where these decisions actually happen.”
A Community of Perspectives
The program brought together students with a wide range of academic backgrounds and personal perspectives.
For some, it was their first opportunity to deeply explore the structure of American democracy.
“As an international student, I didn’t grow up learning much about how American democracy works,” one participant said. “This program gave me the opportunity to understand it much more clearly.”
Through discussions and daily debrief sessions, students debated ideas, shared viewpoints and learned from one another.
Showcasing Student Research
The program concluded with the Foundations of Democracy Student Showcase, where students presented research projects inspired by their experiences.
Faculty members said they were impressed by the quality of the work students produced.
“This was a brand-new program and a brand-new type of final project,” one instructor said. “Seeing the level of research and passion students brought to their topics was really remarkable.”
For many participants, the experience reinforced a deeper appreciation for the American democratic system.
“Democracy isn’t perfect,” one student reflected. “But because it isn’t perfect, it’s something we all have a responsibility to work on together.”
