Curricular Support Courses 100 - Engaging the Pioneer Valley

This course will equip students to enter communities effectively and responsibly as learners, researchers, volunteers, and citizens. Successful community-based learning depends on familiarity with communities and methods to study and assess conditions in them, and on familiarity with the history, politics, policies and practices of campus-community partnership. Students will analyze and interact with nonprofit and civic organizations, issues, and leaders to refine personal interests and skills for social justice advocacy. Students will identify and prepare to address critical needs and opportunities via community partnerships through readings, discussions, panel sessions and assignments.