Social Impact Courses and Academic Programs
Did you know that you can serve your community while earning academic credit? Traditionally referred to as “service-learning,” we have academic programs and courses throughout the university that provide such opportunities. Service-learning is a form of experiential education that combines civic engagement with curricular goals. Students work towards addressing a social problem or meeting an identified need in the community. This work is usually done outside the classroom, but not always.
Community Engagement Pathway Certificate
The Pathway Certificate for Community Engagement is a 12 credit academic certification designed to develop civic engagement and a commitment to the public good. The CE pathway certificate at WCU is part of a nationwide movement to renew the practice of fostering participatory democracy in institutions of higher learning. All CE courses engage students in hands-on community engagement projects designed to meet authentic public needs. Such projects may take many forms, including: direct service, advocacy, research, and/or community organizing. In all CE courses, engagement with the community is also deeply connected to curricular goals through critical reflection on the root structural issues and ethical dilemmas faced by citizens in our diverse society.
Service-Learning Courses at WCU
Examples from previous academic years:
Spring 2020
PLN 405/605: Planning Design
HEA 653: Applied Mindfulness Practicum
PAX 400-02: Peace and Conflict Studies Seminar
SMD 618: AT Clinical Experience 5
HON 490: Senior Capstone
EDR 307-02: Foundations in Reading PreK-4
PSY 410: Research
COM 499-05: Advanced Small Group Communication
MDC 423: Media Campaigns
MDC 252: Media Writing
PSY 441-02/03: Field Experience in Psychology
Fall 2019
EDR 307: First Year Experience
FYB 100C-02: Industrial Hygiene
PSC 353-01: Latino Politics
FYE 100A-02: First Year Experience
ENG 368-12: Business & Organizational Writing
WRT 120: Effective Writing
NSG 216: Healthy Aging
MKT 330-03/04: Consumer Behavior
MDC 252: Media Writing
SPK 230-82/84/88/89: Business and Professional Speech
PSY 441/442: Field Experience in Psychology
SWG 571: Social Work with Older Adults
NTD 320: Strategies in Dietetics
NTD 409: Professional Skills in Dietetics
SPA 304: Spanish Language Topics in the Community
SMD 417: Injury Management III
PSC 401: Senior Research Seminar
MKT 490: Entrepreneurial Marketing Research
COM 385-01/02/03: Family Communication
MKT 330-03: Consumer Behavior
GEO 585: Field Methods
CSD 498: Interprofessional Education
SLP 598: Practice Experience
ENV 524: Industrial Hygiene
EDR 307-80: Foundations in Reading