Community Engagement across the Sociological Curriculum

• In Event: 367 - Section on Teaching and Learning in Sociology Paper Session. Connection, Transfer, and Reflection: How Community Engagement Enhances the Sociological Imagination

Abstract

The value of direct community engagement in learning concepts and in developing habits of sociologically informed observation and analysis are well documented in a growing body of literature. Here I present three approaches to community engagement, each with a track record of encouraging student learning and firing enthusiasm. What distinguishes them is that they are based on standard offerings in the sociology and general education curriculum -- they do not require unique settings, special courses or atypical students. They represent community engagement built into the sociology curriculum of a mid-sized university in a mid-sized Midwestern community, with broad applicability to many settings.

Author

• Scott Sernau, Indiana University-South Bend