Student-Originated Studies: Revitalizing Community

REVISED

Spring 2012 quarter

Faculty

Zoltan Grossman geography

Fields of Study

Native American studies, geography and sustainability studies

Preparatory for studies or careers in

community-based non-profit services, cultural studies, and sustainability studies.

Description

This program is open to students doing internships and community-based volunteer projects, in collaboration with the Center for Community-Based Learning and Action (CCBLA) at Evergreen. Priority will be given to students registering for internships, particularly if they form groups around particular issues.

Students will engage in service learning with self-organized communities that are emerging from historical trauma, and building social and cultural solidarity for a more positive future. One example would be support for the Squaxin Island Tribe in its preparations for hosting the 2012 Tribal Canoe Journey, a key part of Native cultural revitalization in the Pacific Northwest (PaddleToSquaxin2012.org). The Tribe has requested volunteers for craft/giftmaking and environmental sustainability for the late-July event. Another example would be work with Coffee Strong, the veteran-run G.I. coffeehouse outside Joint Base Lewis-McChord, which provides information and resources to soldiers and their families (CoffeeStrong.org). Other students may organize themselves around other internship or volunteer opportunities.

The CCBLA can help students explore community and organizational needs (http://www.evergreen.edu/communitybasedlearning). On my.evergreen.edu, students can propose internships with community organizations by filling out an Internship Learning Contract, or propose a service-learning volunteer project by filling out an Individual Learning Contract, with detailed learning objectives, and proposed readings. Students can receive faculty feedback by releasing the draft contract.

All students would participate in orientations to the issue background and working respectfully with communities and organizations. Participation in this program means practicing accountability to other communities, interacting as a respectful guest with other cultures, and engaging in constant communication with your own learning community of faculty and fellow students. For more information, please contact Dr. Zoltan Grossman at grossmaz@evergreen.edu or (360) 867-6153.

Advertised Schedule

Details in syllabus.

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

Hybrid Online Learning < 25% Delivered Online

Books

Greener Store

Schedule Details

Students will be meeting every two weeks, with weekly student engagement via the Moodle website.

Internship Possibilities

Internships available through student or faculty contacts, or the Center for Community-Based Learning and Action (CCBLA)

Offered During

Day

Program Revisions