HMDV-125 Perspectives on Community Through Service Learning
This course examines the concepts of community and community service, including their meaning and value. Through the use of the innovative pedagogical tool of service learning, students will engage in active participation in organized service experiences that meet actual community needs, and which are coordinated with course objectives. Within an interdisciplinary framework, students will learn the theoretical, historical, practical, and political aspects of civic engagement, as well as factors in creating and sustaining healthy communities. It will explore the traditional social science components of community and public service (political, historical and economic), as well as incorporate some of the important philosophies (humanities) for and against community service as put forth by thinkers such as John Dewey. In addition, the course will also address the role of the arts in community (humanities). Emerging issues of community and service, such as the increase in individualism, the privatization of social services, and the changes in the city of Columbia, will also be covered. Students will be required to complete 20 hours of service within the community.