Inspiring a new class of leaders.
Welcome to the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership.
Welcome to a new kind of program.
One that looks beyond time and borders to explore the fundamental questions of life, freedom, and governance. One that looks inward to the guiding principles of America’s founders and the leaders who have inspired us. One that combines classic works and altruistic statesmanship to develop a new kind of leader: trained in critical thought, humble about human imperfection, and ready for anything.
Fall 2022 Courses
The school combines philosophy, history, economics, and political science to teach students how to examine great ideas and solve contemporary problems. Courses like "Great Ideas in Politics and Ethics," "Globalism, Nationalism and Citizenship," and "American Constitution 1" prepare students for leadership in a diverse and changing world.
Upcoming events
"1776 and Us: Finding the Founding in a Foundering Democracy" with Jane Kamensky
From the very beginning, the history and study of the American Revolution has been bound up with the national identity of the United States, and thus with the country’s present needs. In recent years, the competing imperatives of activists and journalists at both edges of our ideological spectrum have produced warring narratives of the American founding: slavery versus liberty, original sin versus germinal gift, conclave of villains versus garden of heroes. Both of these approaches owe more to politics than to history. As we approach the quarter-millennium mark, how can we equip ourselves and our students with an understanding of the revolutionary era that is rigorous, complex, and above all, true to the evidence?
Date: September 19, 2022 | 5 p.m.
Location: Ventana BC, Memorial Union 241 (301 E Orange St., Tempe, AZ 85281)
News from the school
Grad student blends career, education into all-encompassing life experience By Marcia Paterman Brookey
May 6, 2022 | ASU News
Jonathon Hofer shares his takeaways from studying classical education in the 21st century
Should students have to pass a civics test to graduate? By Elizabeth Evans
April 25, 2022 | The New York Times UPFRONT Magazine
SCETL's Civic Education Program Director Elizabeth Evans argues that, unless there is a way to assess civic education, it will continue to be ignored in schools.
Heterodoxy on Campus - The Role of Universities By Carol McNamara
April 13, 2022 | Arizona Capitol Times
What is the purpose of the university? Until recently, this question was uncontroversial.
The return to tribal identity and its impact on civic life in America By Vanessa Reynaga
March 9, 2022 | ASU News
ASU conference featuring Andrew Sullivan and Kmele Foster addresses intellectual orthodoxy on campus, meritocracy and identity politics.
Students to apply Socratic method in fall 2022 ASU course By Marcia Brookey
March 7, 2022 | ASU News
CEL 394: Comparative Political Thought aims to stimulate critical thinking.
Paul Carrese: Shaping Students into Citizens and Leaders
March 6, 2022 | Higher Ed Now
ACTA's Doug Sprei interviews Paul Carrese, Founding Director of SCETL. Professor Carrese shares the underpinnings of this influential program, which aims to prepare the next generation of young leaders through the study of great works of civic, economic, political, and moral thought.
Considering Options in Ukraine By Luke Perez
March 6, 2022 | Providence
Assistant professor Luke Perez recently wrote about the on going Ukraine crisis.
Visiting scholar to discuss Tocqueville's influence on American democracy By Marcia Brookey
March 4, 2022 | ASU News
Class offers ASU students a deeper understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of American democracy.
ASU course prepares students for civil disagreement in times of increased polarization By
Marcia Brookey
March 2, 2022 | ASU News
Dichotomy nationalism vs. globalism under the microscope this fall.
ASU master's program teaches students to 'live well and lead well' By Marcia Brookey
February 9, 2022 | ASU News
Classical liberal education and leadership program impacts students professionally, academically and personally
Local lawmakers have a firsthand glimpse into faculty and student work impacting the future of the state and globe. By Krista Hinz
January 27, 2022 | ASU News
AZ lawmakers are impressed by our faculty and the CPTL’s work to revive K-12 civic education across the country and restore civic debates in America.
Viral video aside, ASU can have an honest and civil debate on race and social justice, by Paul Carrese and Carol McNamara
October 2, 2021 | The Arizona Republic
A recent video showing a heated argument between ASU students shows how polarizing we've become. It's also an opportunity for honest and civil talk.
The making of individuals citizens, and beliefs, in Arizona — thoughts on Constitution Day, by Colleen A. Sheehan
September 20, 2021
"Through the modes of civic participation, we learn the tools of citizenship – the 'how' of democracy. Just as important, we learn the substance of citizenship – the 'what' of democracy – the meaning and conditions of the American maxim that all men are created equal. In essence, republican government makes individuals into citizens."
In this article published by the Phoenix Business Journal, SCETL professor and director of graduate studies Colleen A. Sheehan reflects on the legacy of Constitution Day.
School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership Dean’s Medalist to follow up an impressive academic career with one in foreign service
April 23, 2021
Cameron didn’t always know he was destined for a career in Washington, D.C. But a last-minute decision to take part in the model United Nations Conference changed his trajectory forever. After graduation, Cameron will attend Johns Hopkins University for graduate studies with a full ride. He plans to pursue a master of arts in international relations, after which he will join the U.S. foreign service for five years.
How the 2016 presidential election led this ASU grad to Columbia Law
April 26, 2021
When Nicole Morote was 6, she and her family moved from Lima, Peru, to the United States. After moving around the country, her family settled in Georgia, which is where she lived before she visited Arizona State University’s Tempe campus.
The summer after her first year at ASU, Morote moved to Washington, D.C., for the summer to intern at a congressional office. After graduation, Morote plans to attend Columbia Law School in New York City.
Explore our video programming
Our annual public events are designed to engage the community and ASU students, staff, and faculty on the pressing issues of our time. Events are free and open to the public. They are also available for viewing on our website and our YouTube channel.
Our centers
Center for the Study of Economic Liberty
The Center for the Study of Economic Liberty serves students and the public through research, education, and community outreach regarding the nation’s most pressing economic policy issues. Committed to communicating the role that economic liberty and free enterprise play in increasing opportunity and improving well-being, the Center seeks to advance understanding through independent thinking, scholarly debate, factual argument, and honest communication of research and policy findings.
Center for Political Thought and Leadership
The Center for Political Thought and Leadership develops leaders well-versed in the principles of liberal democracy. Its mission is to impart a deeper understanding of the meaning of political liberty and economic well-being to the academic and at-large community through undergraduate education, scholarly research, and public events. The Center adeptly provides a setting for national and international scholarship in political thought.
