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Service Learning & Community Development
2009 Spring Semester - Course Description
Service Learning in Community Development
CEA Partner Institution: Stellenbosch University
Location: Stellenbosch, South AfricaPrimary Subject Area: Service Learning
Other Subject Area(s): Cultural Studies, Sociology
Level(s): 300
Instruction in: English
Recommended Semester Credits: 9
Contact Hours: 135
Description
This course is compulsory for the IPSU Certificate Programme in Community Engagement in South Africa. It aims to integrate the theory of community development with practice through service learning. In short, community service-learning aims to give the student the opportunity to apply abstract academic concepts and principles to a real life situation while learning new skills, developing new values and attitudes and at the same time providing much needed service to a community. The course is offered on a 3rd year level (students should have finished at least 4 academic semesters). The academic rigor of this course is high and students are discouraged to enrol if they are only seeking a volunteer opportunity.
On completion of the course, students will have acquired:
- a theoretical understanding of community development concepts, principles and process and demonstrate the ability to apply theoretical constructs to case materials,
- an understanding of the philosophy, principles and purpose of service-learning and apply it in practice,
- the skill to conduct basic survey research about the social phenomena, pathologies and problems pervasive in a community,
- the ability to examine and evaluate research data to identify the gap between services and community needs/existing community assets within a particular community,
- the ability to identify and shape their own service role in relation to service organizations/networks to specific community needs and assets,
- the insight to apply appropriate community development skills in a community setting,
- critical thinking skills and the ability to learn though reflection of observations and experiences,
- the ability to apply abstract academic concepts with principles in practice reciprocally through synthesis,
- the ability to collaborate and work in a team,
- an experience of personal growth and an enhanced sense of social responsibility;
- a sensitivity and compassion for cultural diversity by being challenged by value systems different from one's own culture.
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