Time Schedule:
Kathryn E. Pursch
GEN ST 344
Seattle Campus
Credit/no credit only.
Class description
There are many ways to get involved in the community, and it can be difficult to know where to begin. This course will take a hands-on approach to helping students define what service means to them, provide a starting point for community involvement by arranging volunteer positions with a selection of local non-profit organizations, and offer support for thinking critically about the issues facing society today and how to make these issues personally meaningful.
Student learning goals
1) Answering the question: “Why should I do service?”
2) Understanding “reciprocal partnerships”
3) Identifying campus and community resources that support sustained involvement in service
4) Gaining first-hand experience in a direct service role in the community
5) Broadening perspectives through reflection and group dialogue around the topics of national service, volunteering, and social responsibility
General method of instruction
Teaching methods will include service in the community, dialogue in class, guest speakers, and a few short reading and writing assignments aimed at the following objectives.
There is a required service-learning component to this course. Students will spend 3-5 hours each week working with a local non-profit organization, and are expected to bring reflections on these experiences into class assignments and discussions.
Recommended preparation
The course is open to first-year and sophomore students only. Those interested in the course should see the additional information and complete the web survey at https://catalysttools.washington.edu/webq/survey/engage/102671
Class assignments and grading
