Christopher T. Dague

Dr. Christopher T. Dague serves as Department Head of the Zucker Family School of Education and Program Coordinator of Teacher Education at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. He holds the rank of Associate Professor, having earned tenure and promotion in 2024 based on his teaching, scholarship, and service.

Dr. Dague's educational background includes a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction for Social Studies Education from North Carolina State University, an M.Ed. in Social Studies Education from Campbell University, and a B.A. in Social Studies Education from the University of Akron.

His research focuses on the intersections between social studies education and motivational psychology, particularly examining how teachers' use of authentic educational practices can support student autonomy and empowerment. Dr. Dague investigates how discussion- and inquiry-based approaches impact student emotion, affect, and innate psychological needs. His work aims to translate theoretical concepts into practical classroom applications.

• Faculty Excellence Award for Adult and Online Education at Campbell University (2023)
• Zucker Family School of Education's Innovation in Teaching Award (2023)

Dr. Dague actively supports state departments of education in curriculum revision efforts and frequently travels throughout the Southeast working with school districts to implement discussion- and inquiry-based approaches. He is the author of the book Discussions and Democracy: Motivation, Growth, and the New Social Studies Classroom (Rowman and Littlefield, 2024), which provides practical guidance for social studies teachers.