Labor Studies 390STA - Service-Learning Course: Labor

This course focuses on the dynamics of social change change through collective direct-action campaigns as well as the process of leadership development. Three primary questions are explored: why people organize, what are the distinctive qualities and skills involved with organizing, and what is entailed in becoming a good organizer. Students will be matched with labor and community organizations that are engaged in building power within and on behalf of marginalized communities and which have shown both an interest in and commitment towards the development of new organizers through mentorship and training. Students will engage with the issues being addressed by the partner organizations and apply this knowledge to understand different methods of social change. In addition, students will have the opportunity to engage in community education, facilitation of meetings, building relationships among workers and the communities they live in, developing leadership skills, and motivating participation.