Community Engagement: Theory, Practice, and the Politics of Help

Abstract

Why do community service? What does it mean to help? What kinds of communities need help in order to thrive? Where should that help come from? What should that help look like? What is the difference between help and engagement?

In this course, we will explore the uniquely American perspective on community service and community engagement in...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Social Welfare/Social Work

Resource Type(s):

Syllabus

Class Level(s):

College 200

Class Size(s):

Medium

Usage Notes

This is an elective course in Sociology, and also counts towards our Social Service Minor. The class is generally a mix of students from across campus who have a commitment to community service and social justice. Given this, I begin the class by breaking down socially held beliefs regarding "help" and "service"; we focus on the unintended consequences...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Describe and interpret the historical context for the development of the practice of community service in the U.S.; Name and define theories that have sought to explain/promote social or civic involvement in daily life.
2. Interpret and discuss the social, economic, and political processes that give rise to community service; learn to question and analyze what help is, how it should look, and where it is often located and/or directed; identify and analyze community assets.
3. Take a critically informed stance on the role of moral, social, and civic responsibility in society and how individuals can affect social change.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. The readings, videos, and speakers provide students with history and theories to understand community service and engagement in the U.S.
2. The midterm assignment, the asset map, and the final project all provide hands-on experience for students to begin grappling with their own approach to service and ways to move towards community engagement.
3. The two reflection papers require students to engage with these issues.