Course ID: | PSYC 3150S. 3 hours. Repeatable for maximum 6 hours credit. |
Course Title: | Connecting with Youth through Research and Service |
Course Description: | Course blends research and theory on child development with real-world experience volunteering in Athens-Clarke County public schools. Class content will focus on broad social influences (e.g., racism, poverty) that influence children’s development, and the ways in which mentors can nurture healthy development in challenging contexts. |
Oasis Title: | Connecting with Youth |
Nontraditional Format: | This course includes a service-learning project during the semester that will leverage students’ skills, knowledge, and hands-on training gained during the course. The course uses service learning as the primary pedagogical tool for teaching course objectives. Students will work on a comprehensive project(s) and may be required to spend considerable time outside the classroom (e.g., students will meet with their assigned mentee for a minimum of one hour per week). The time spent in the service-learning component will be determined by the instructor. Cumulatively, lecture/discussion and service hours will be on par with traditional lecture courses. |
Prerequisite: | PSYC 1030H or PSYC 1101 or PSYC 1101E |
Grading System: | A-F (Traditional) |
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Course Objectives: | By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Describe structural, community, and systemic factors that shape children’s socioemotional well-being and success in school.
2. Understand the potential impact of a mentor in supporting children’s well-being.
3. Discuss recent research focused on the benefits of mentoring for children’s development.
4. Apply knowledge gained from community service experience by contributing to class discussions and projects. |
Topical Outline: | Topics will adhere to guidelines established by the Service-Learning Curriculum Committee. Specific topics will be selected by the instructor and may include:
1. What it means to be a mentor
2. Effects of poverty on children’s development
3. Mental and physical health benefits associated with volunteering
4. Risk and resilience
5. Positive youth development
6. Neighborhood and community-level effects on children’s development
7. The role of schools in supporting children’s well-being |