Student Originated Studies: Public Health, Environment, Sustainability and Public Policy

Description

This SOS program is directed to students who have broad interests in the following: public health, environmental conditions affecting public health and welfare, the movements around sustainability and social justice, and related public policy developments from local to international. Students with these interests and backgrounds will shape their work through internships, community projects and/or independent paths of study, and the group will be linked to the Center for Community-Based Learning and Action. Students and faculty will meet weekly or bi-weekly to examine and explore an array of issues, to examine links between projects and to develop skills and strategies. The concepts of Popular Education and Participatory Research will be central to our learning. We will cultivate this work, individually and in small groups, through consultation and collaboration with area organizations and through participant-observation approaches to local and state government. Students will explore and develop different approaches, with a mix of writing, documentation, workshops and presentations. Priority will be given to juniors and seniors.