Self and Community

Fall 2011, Winter 2012 and Spring 2012 quarters

Faculty

Toska Olson sociology, gender studies , Heesoon Jun psychology

Fields of Study

psychology, sociology and writing

Preparatory for studies or careers in

psychology, sociology, social work and human services.

Prerequisites

Students should self-identify as having strong reading and writing skills.

Description

The major goal of the program is to link theory and practice. Students will have opportunities to understand abstract theories by applying them to projects and activities and by putting them into practice in real-world situations. This three quarter program involves learning psychological and socialogical perspectives in fall quarter, applying them to field work in winter and spring quarters, and returning to the classroom in spring quarter to assess what worked and to suggest future improvements.

During fall quarter, students will study psychological and sociological perspectives on identity, effective communication, society, social problems and human service work. Students will examine questions such as: Where do I fit within my community? How does my society influence me? How can I have a positive impact on my community and society? Students will explore the reciprocal relationship between self and community through program readings, consciousness studies, class activities and fieldwork exercises.

During the second half of winter quarter and the first half of spring quarter, students will make meaningful service contributions to local, national, or international organizations by participating in an internship or volunteer work for 35 hours a week, the equivalent of 14 credits. Students serving outside the local area will communicate electronically with the faculty to ask questions and discuss their learning, and students serving locally will meet with faculty and peers every other week for seminar discussions.

Students will return to the classroom in the middle of spring quarter to reflect on, critically examine and integrate their fall quarter theoretical learning with their winter and spring quarter practical experience. The major project this quarter will be a synthesis paper that details this integration, proposes how to more effectively prepare students for community work and develops effective guidelines for serving the community. In the spring, students may continue their community work for four of the 16 credits.

Studies will encompass lectures, workshops, seminar discussions, reading, writing, research, small group collaboration and student presentations about topics related to self and community. Students who successfully complete this program will gain considerable experience with applied work in the social sciences, non-profit organizations, and human services and with independent scholarly research and writing.

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

Enhanced Online Learning

Books

Greener Store

Special Expenses

Travel expense during winter quarter is dependent upon the location of the student's chosen community service work.

Internship Possibilities

All students are required to participate in an internship or volunteer work for 12 credits during winter quarter. Students may continue their internship for four of the 16 credits during spring quarter.

Research Possibilities

Students will conduct independent and collaborative research projects on topics related to community psychology, social problems and social justice throughout the program.

Offered During

Day