Service learning enables students to apply what they learn in the classroom to a real-world urban challenge by integrating academic coursework with public service. Our courses encourage students to see the link between theory and practice, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and gain fluency in cross-cultural collaboration and communication.
All Urban Studies majors will engage in a service learning experience as part of their course of study. Engaging in service learning is also an opportunity for students to explore potential career paths and prepare for summer fellowship experiences, honors thesis research, or senior project work.
Approved Service Learning Courses
Students can fulfill their service learning requirement in three ways:
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(Recommended): Enroll in an approved course such as URBANST 164: Sustainable Cities, URBANST 145: International Urbanization Seminar, or ANTHRO 112: Public Archeology;
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Complete an independent internship in a government agency or a non-profit/community organization relevant to the major while enrolled in URBANST 201A. Students who intern for a private sector organization may receive credit for URBANST 194, but cannot enroll in URBANST 201A credits to meet the capstone requirement;
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Conduct research with the guidance of a faculty mentor.
The service learning experience must consist primarily of substantive work. In all cases, students must work with a supervisor at the organization to establish learning goals through the Placement Objectives Agreement and create products – such as papers, reports, presentations, or models – demonstrating that they have achieved those goals.
The Urban Studies Service Learning and Internship Guide provides more details on ways to fulfill the capstone requirement. For the most up-to-date information, please consult an Urban Studies adviser and/or the Program Manager for Service Learning.
