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Course Syllabus

GNST 1100 Introduction to Civic Engagement and Service-Learning

  • Division: Administrative Division
  • Department: Administration
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 2; Lecture: 2; Lab: 0
  • Repeatable: Yes.
  • Prerequisites: Signature of Service-Learning Program Director, instructor, or advisor.
  • Semesters Offered: TBA
  • Semester Approved: Fall 2023
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2028
  • End Semester: Summer 2029
  • Optimum Class Size: 15
  • Maximum Class Size: 24

Course Description

This course will provide an opportunity to work with other students, community members, and community agencies in organizing and carrying out a service learning project that addresses an existing community issue or need. Students will learn the theory and philosophy behind service learning as a teaching pedagogy as they become more aware and engaged in the community. This course is required of students seeking the Service-Learning Scholar designation. Repeatable for credit.

Justification

Service-learning is an experiential teaching pedagogy--an alternative to traditional classroom lecture and lab work--and is a vibrant program at most USHE institutions. Snow College is a member of the Utah Campus Compact, an organization dedicated to increasing the level of civic engagement, community service, and service learning in academia.

Service-learning helps Snow College fulfill its mission of creating an "atmosphere of engagement." The class introduces service-learning to students and thereby facilities the implementation of service components into courses across the campus.

Similar courses are offered at other USHE institutions, including UGS 3025, Service-learning Scholar Seminar, at the UofU.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to articulate the value of service learning as an alternative teaching and learning strategy.
  2. Students will be able to develop an awareness of societal issues facing the local community, the nation, and the world.
  3. Students will be able to explain how societal issues affect them individually and how they can make a difference through civic engagement.
  4. Students will know the avenues, skills, and tools necessary for an individual to make positive changes in society.

Course Content

This course will cover current social issues facing the College, the community, the United States, and the world; varied approaches to recognizing needs in the community and addressing those needs; leadership and organizational skills; difference between volunteerism and academic service learning.

Topics for readings and discussion might include hunger, poverty, natural hazards, discrimination, current events both locally and globally.