Course Description
Experiential learning with reflective and analytical components. Students will observe and analyze how social service agencies empower individuals and social well-being of clients/people and how community agencies attempt to alleviate social and economic injustices.
Athena Title
Service Learning in SW
Non-Traditional Format
Course includes a service-learning project during the semester that either employs skills or knowledge learned in the course or teaches new skills or knowledge related to course objectives. Students will be involved in the planning and implementation of the project(s) and may spend time outside of the classroom. Students will be engaged in the service-learning component for approximately 50-75% of overall instructional time. Students volunteer 25 hours at social/human service agencies.
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)
Course Objectives
1. To outline and to interpret the meaning, both personal and pre-professional, of caring for others in a human service agency. 2. To analyze and assess the affective, cognitive, and performance dimensions during the volunteering. 3. To evaluate personal interest and fit in the profession of social work.
Topical Outline
1. Service-learning and volunteerism. 2. The role of the volunteer. 3. The service-learning plan. 4. Observing and reflecting upon experiences. 5. Evaluating self as a professional helper. 6. The community context of the human service agency.
Syllabus