By the third week of the Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics’ (LEAP) Citizenship Preparatory Course, the atmosphere in the classroom had noticeably changed. Participants and volunteers who had begun the month as strangers were now familiar faces, and conversations around the tables were lively, comfortable, and filled with questions.
The evening began with a review of approximately 30 naturalization questions covered during the first two weeks. Participants revisited the founding of the United States, the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution. They even reviewed $100 bill, which has some of the topics on the Citizenship Test, most notably Benjamin Franklin and Independence Hall.
They also reviewed the structure of the federal government, including its three branches and the officials who serve in each.
With that foundation reinforced, the class moved into the 1800s—one of the busiest and most consequential periods in American history. The lesson began with the Louisiana Purchase and the War of 1812 before turning to the Civil War and the divisions that led to the conflict.
Abraham Lincoln played a central role in the evening’s discussion. Participants learned about his presidency, the Emancipation Proclamation, and his efforts to preserve the Union. The class also examined the Battle of Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Address, connecting the events of the war to Lincoln’s enduring words about equality, democracy, and national purpose.
The evening concluded with Susan B. Anthony and her leadership in the movement for women’s rights, allowing participants to consider how the meaning of American citizenship continued to expand during the nineteenth century.
As always, SHSU student volunteers helped participants review questions, clarify difficult concepts, and practice their English.
By Week Three, however, those exchanges had become more than study sessions. The robust discussions, shared laughter, and growing familiarity reflected one of the course’s most important accomplishments: bringing together people of different backgrounds around the shared goal of citizenship.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 