The Natural Partnership Between Classical and Civic Education

American universities have spent years preparing students for careers. But are they still preparing them for citizenship?

At the 2026 Great Hearts National Symposium for Classical Education, Carol McNamara sits down with Joshua Dunn to discuss the growing number of civic leadership institutes taking shape on college campuses. Dunn argues that students need more than a passing familiarity with American government. They need to wrestle with the texts, arguments, and institutions that have shaped the country, and they need practice disagreeing with one another without treating political differences as personal enemies.

Their conversation also points to a natural connection between classical schools and these new university programs. Classical students already know what it means to read closely, participate in serious discussion, and encounter ideas that demand patience. Dunn believes that foundation can prepare them not only for public leadership, law, or government service, but also for a possible return to the classroom as teachers.