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.
Spring 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," "Justice and Virtue," and "Hamilton and the Founders" prepare students for leadership in a diverse and changing world.
News from the school
The Arizona Republic
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.
Phoenix Business Journal
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.
Upcoming events
SCETL Student Movie Night: The Truman Show
Friday, January 28, 2022
We all have our secrets, private thoughts and free will over our life. All of us, except Truman. What if you didn’t know that your life was a LIVE television production? What if you had no idea that all of the people in your life were actors? Watch this film with us and explore how the themes of surveillance and free-will apply in our own lives.
Join the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership (SCETL) and the SCETL Student Assembly for our annual January Movie Night on January 28 at 6:00 PM in the Memorial Union Pima Auditorium room 230.
Bring your friends and we will bring the movie treats!
Date: Friday, January 28, 2022
Time: 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Pima Auditorium, Memorial Union 230, 301, E. Orange St., Tempe, AZ 85281
Register here.
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.