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Course Structure
This section contains a close
look at the five institutions participating in the FIPSE Civic
Engagement Project. While analysisreveals a varied approach
to how best each campus integrates basic themes as well as
how each institution navigates the academic landscape of their
campus. Still, there are common approaches, design and structure
as to how to create and implement the civic engagement certificate.
These include:
1) A Lead-In Course
2) A Poverty Course
3) Internationally-focused Courses or Programs
4) Issue-based Service Learning Courses
5) Full-time Internship Component
6) Capstone Experience
To view a diagram of the course
structure, see page 7 of FIPSE Blueprint.
See also the final page
of Blueprint for a summary of the curricular and co-curricular
components of the model.
Types of Courses to include
an in a minor or certificate in Civic Engagement
(1) Lead-In Course
Many schools have a lead-in course as part of the first year
experience. This can be found in freshmen seminars, learning
communities, first year orientation courses, and other expressions
of first year academic design. Within the broad parameters
that these academic boundaries often operate, there is an
opportunity to include readings, writings, and discussions
about service and justice.
(2) Domestic Poverty
A survey of dozens of campuses confirms the assumption that
most, if not all, schools have within their existing curriculum
courses that expose student to issues of domestic poverty.
These courses can be found in any number of disciplines but
most frequently are located in U.S. history, sociology, political
science, public policy and literature.
(3) International Exposure
Much like courses involving domestic poverty, there are many
different academic disciplines and multi-disciplinary courses
that introduce, inform, educate and require thoughtful analysis
of international affairs. In these courses, students will
be required to integrate the service experiences with at least
one course related to international issues.
(4) Service Learning Course
Over the last fifteen years, there has been an explosion of
service learning course all across the curriculum. When offered,
a student is required to take a service-learning course in
his or her academic major field of study. If no such course
if offered, the student would be required to take a service-learning
course from a different discipline. Where possible, students
are encouraged to take a minimum of two courses identified
as having a significant service learning component, one course
in his/her discipline and one outside of his/her academic
major.
(5) Full-Time Service Internship (not necessarily
for credit)
A full-time service activity is required to complete the civic
engagement certificate. These service placements may be for
credit through an internship program or may not be credit
barring but still require a certain level of preparation,
reflection, and writing. Students can serve either at domestic
or international service sites. Placements should offer students
an opportunity to witness and encounter issues of poverty,
cultural diversity, and public policy.
(6) Senior Capstone
A cornerstone of the civic engagement certificate and the
service-based scholarship is a final presentation of service
and learning that will come near the end of the student’s
college or university academic experience. Students will engage
in an intense and demanding service placement that will integrate
academic work. This senior service capstone may take place
as part of a senior seminar, an independent study, or community-based
research.
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