Course Overview

Class Information

  • US 10: INTRODUCTION TO CIVIC AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
  • Quarter: Fall Qtr 2010
  • Room: DBH 1500
  • Day & time: Tu Th 3:30 to 4:50
  • Required Book:  Mountains Beyond Mountains — Tracy Kidder

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides students with a foundation for understanding the role of public scholarship, community engagement, and social action. In this course, students will examine key theories and research that underlie contemporary thinking about community engagement, as an introduction to the minor in civic and community engagement. Students will examine and critique strategies for social and environmental change. Students will become familiar with the expectations and responsibilities for successful service-learning. The course will involve presentations of engaged research and collaboration by faculty and community partners from various disciplines. The course includes lectures, discussions, a group presentation, exams, readings, and participation in a service-learning project.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Through this course, you will gain the following:

Knowledge

1. Understand the theory and history of civic and community engagement in the US, and develop critical perspectives on the role of service
2. Understand how individuals and groups create and sustain change
3. Deepen your understanding of social and environmental problems and of the role of multiple stakeholders in addressing these problems

Skills

4. Develop skills for success working in community settings
5. Learn to work effectively as members of a diverse team
6. Develop your own interests and commitment to community engagement and service.

Instructor

Gillian R. Hayes

  • Office: Donald Bren Hall, 5072
  • Phone: 949-824-1483
  • Email: gillianrh [at] ics [dot] uci [dot] edu
  • Office Hours: TBD or by appointment

Reader

Leslie S. Liu

  • Office: Donald Bren Hall, 5059
  • Email: lsliu [at] ics [dot] uci [dot] edu
  • Office Hours: TBD or by appointment