The increasing focus on civic learning comes at a time when students are also demonstrating a renewed interest in activism and political engagement.

Inside Higher Ed reports.

Colleges placing increasing importance on programs promoting civic engagement

Starting this fall, California State University at Los Angeles students must take two courses in civic learning as part of their general education requirements.

A combination of workshops, service learning and problem-solving assignments, the courses are designed, the university said, to encourage students to use what they’ve learned at Cal State to create solutions to real-world issues by working with local nonprofit organizations. Faculty will develop assignments and projects using an online module created by the Association of College and University Educators.

When the requirement kicks in next year, the university will join a quickly growing number of institutions emphasizing civic engagement in their curricula.