Community Engaged Learning and Research in University College offers an 18 credit hour Civic and Community Engagement undergraduate minor. This program is designed to provide students with the skills and creativity to solve problems within their own communities and to develop students’ own sense of self in collective efficacy and activism. The Civic and Community Engagement program integrates classroom learning with experiential and community-engaged learning opportunities, including service-learning, extended field study, and civic engagement at the local, national, and global levels.
The Civic and Community Engagement undergraduate minor is ideal for students seeking academic and hands-on opportunities to make a measurable difference in improving the quality of life for citizens throughout the local and global communities.
Courses
CELR 175.
Introduction to Civic and Community Engagement.
(3)
This introductory course covers concepts for understanding civic engagement, including models of civic life through America's history, critiques of philanthropy, volunteerism, community service, public service, political activism, and public service leadership.
CELR 176.
Practicum in Civic and Community Engagement.
(1-3)
This practicum course introduces students to types of civic engagement in a democracy and practices of engagement and inquiry. Students are required to complete between 8-10 hours of service with one community organization.
Prerequisite: 175.
CELR 350.
Community Based Research I: Design.
(3)
Introduction to community-based research, qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, theoretical foundations, and appropriateness for community questions. Collaborating with community partners, students define a research question and develop an approach that addresses the question.
CELR 351.
Community Based Research II: Implementation.
(3)
Students implement a research project on a community identified issue. Emphasis on implementation, analysis, and application of research approach designed in CELR 350.
Restriction: Instructor permission.
Prerequisite: 350
CELR 391.
Topics in Service-Learning Leadership.
(3 to a maximum of 9 Δ)
Prepares students to work in service leadership positions and engage in a project that meets an identified community need with organized service to the community, emphasizing civic engagement, reflection, and application of learning.
CELR 392.
Topics in Global Service-Learning Leadership.
(3 to a maximum of 9 Δ)
This pre-fieldwork course provides students a forum for critical reflection on community-driven service and is intended for any student undertaking study abroad, fieldwork, and community engagement in CELR 430.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
CELR *410.
Topics in Lobo Gardens Community-Based Research.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
This experiential learning course explores the intersections of gardening, sustainability and social change while engaging with local farmers and gardeners, planting and growing food, and cultivating the community gardens on campus.
CELR *430.
Advanced Research Service-Learning Field School.
(1-3, may be repeated twice Δ)
Students will study specific issues, problems, or topics related to community-identified needs in any intensive field-based setting. Topics will address theoretical and practical aspects of community-based issues and may involve approved community partner organizations.
Restriction: junior or senior standing.
CELR *498.
Independent Study in Research Service-Learning.
(1-6, may be repeated once Δ)
This course engages undergraduate students in a community-based project under faculty guidance in an approved community setting and working toward goals established in collaboration with community partners.
Restriction: junior or senior standing, and permission of instructor.
CELR 499.
Community Engaged Learning and Research Capstone Seminar.
(3)
Students will culminate their Community Engaged Learning and Research experience working with a community partner to design, implement and present and project that demonstrates academic merit in addressing a community need.
Prerequisite: 350 and 351.
Restriction: permission of department.
