Spotlight on a South Carolina Cultural Program
An understanding of the United States Constitution is crucial in the development of a new generation of educated and informed voters. The South Carolina Historical Society (SCHS) presents high school and college students statewide with the opportunity to delve into this living document with the SCHS Constitutional Scholars Certificate Program. This program encourages an inquisitive look at Constitutional topics through archival primary source research as students uncover information about the history of their country and government.
Students begin with a close reading of the Constitution. An exam confirms student comprehension of the contents, amendments, and applications of the document in real life in the United States. Students must pass the Constitution Exam before continuing with the program.
Once students demonstrate an understanding of the Constitution, they are invited to access digitized primary source documents from the SCHS collections, conduct research in the SCHS Archives, and correspond with historians and librarians at SCHS. The program culminates in a creative research project that highlights student interests and talents, features primary sources, and advances study of the Constitution, its creation, and its continued use in the country today. Student projects may include essays, documentary videos, artwork, podcasts, creative writing, and more with topics following any group of South Carolinians—existing in the past or present, represented by or omitted from the Constitution—and their relationship with the Constitution. Students must utilize at least one primary source from SCHS for their final project and are encouraged to visit the SCHS Archives in person in Charleston, and/or connect with SCHS staff to obtain digitized and scanned documents from the catalog.
Students presented with a Constitutional Scholars Certificate earn a valuable academic and professional experience for their college applications and resumes that displays their familiarity with primary source research and commitment to civic engagement. Additionally, students tap into a network of history professionals at SCHS who can assist with future research and professional development.
This is a rolling program that may be completed at any time throughout a student’s high school or college career. Contact Melina Testin, SCHS Education Coordinator at melina.testin@schsonline.org to learn more and to get started.
Photo by Anthony Garand on Unsplash