Service-Learning Courses
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About Service-Learning Courses
As a student involved in service-learning courses, you will:
- Gain hands-on experience while meeting community needs;
- Grow your understanding of diverse cultures and communities while gaining civic responsibility;
- Acquire team-building experience; and
- Reflect upon the learning.
Wright State University students enrolled in a service-learning course will engage in meaningful community service, paired with instruction and reflection, to enhance the learning process. Service-learning may involve a few hours a week in some type of project or direct service at a partner site, or your class may learn from and produce something of value for a community partner, such as community-based research, a grant proposal, a strategic plan, or an environmental study.
What Does a Service-Learning Course at Wright State University Look Like?
Service-learning courses at Wright State integrate community members and organizations into classroom projects. These courses typically require students to complete at least 20 hours of community service.
Wright State service-learning courses will:
- Link classroom learning to real-life experience and employment;
- Provide you with a greater understanding of a social issue;
- Engage you in service with nonprofits, educational organizations, nature preserves, hospitals, public agencies, retirement centers, food banks, and other sites; and
- Provide an opportunity for you to reflect on your learning experiences in the field as these connect to both personal growth and course learning outcomes.
Examples of the type of service-learning coursework that students may complete include:
- Environmental chemistry students may make several visits to collect water samples in a nature preserve, analyze the water quality in the lab, and report their findings to the partner agency.
- Women’s studies students may intern with agencies addressing employment equity, workforce development, family violence, and/or sexual assault.
- Masters of Public Administration (MPA) students are required to take the Strategic Planning and Program Evaluation course that incorporates a service-learning component in which students facilitate and create strategic plans for organizations they are assigned to. Students lead meetings with the organization, create strategies, and identify problem areas. They also work outside of the classroom and engage with the staff, volunteers, and sometimes students or clients of their assigned organizations.
Why Enroll in a Service-Learning Course?
Students enrolled in a service-learning course can benefit academically, professionally, and personally. Participation in a service-learning course will:
- Increase understanding of classroom topics by bringing theory to practice;
- Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
- Promote cultural competency;
- Provide opportunities to develop skills related to your professional goals and personal life;
- Contribute to the civic well-being of local and global communities;
- Benefit from experience, networks and guidance for future careers.
Courses
Interested in taking a course that incorporates service-learning? Below you will find a list of service-learning courses being offered currently or soon. Please meet with your advisor or visit the WINGS Course List for more information.
