Course Description
This course is designed for students who are engaging in an international service learning experience in a developing country. Facilitated seminars address: (1) 5 key themes (motivation, cultural competence, balance and reciprocity, sustainability, and witnessing and observing); (2) the social, cultural, political and economic contexts of the developing country; (3) the development of a student learning plan in collaboration with a local community agency; and (4) the risks and realities of sustained work in a developing country. Students are then placed in a developing country and will work on a community development project alongside a local community partner. Within this context, students will work collaboratively with members of their host organization, develop their understanding of local challenges, and enhance their understanding of small-scale ethical projects. Students will complete pre-placement assignments, in-placement assignments, and participate in a post-placement debrief.
Course Content
The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:
- Themes - explore themes representing the theoretical, ethical and practical questions that arise in international service learning processes, including sustainability, cultural competence, balance and reciprocity, motivation, and witnessing and observing
- Case studies - consider, reflect, and dialogue on real life scenarios from diverse non-Western or developing countries
- Individualized Learning Plans – collaboratively develop a learning plan for an international service learning experience in a developing country that reflects student learning outcomes and service needs of local community agency
- Implement, Reflect Upon, and Develop Recommendations – individualized learning plans advance and enhance student learning and provide value-added to local community agency
- Preparation, Planning, and Debrief – engage in physical, emotional and intellectual preparation to recognize, anticipate, and deal with the risks and realities of an international service learning experience
Learning Activities
- Field experience
- Supervision
- Seminar discussion
- Facilitation
Means of Assessment
This course will conform to Douglas College policy regarding the number and weighting of evaluations. Typical means of evaluation would include a combination of:
- Written research assignment
- Book report
- In-class presentation
- Development and completion of a learning plan
- Self evaluation
- Field assessment
This is a mastery / non-mastery course
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural, political, economic and social contexts of the international service learning country
- Articulate and apply the values and practices of cultural competence, sustainability, balance and reciprocity, and witnessing and observing
- Develop an international service learning plan that is consistent with ethical, culturally competent, and sustainable practices
- Deconstruct personal values, beliefs, and motivations as they apply to the international service learning experience
- Participate in and reflect upon an international service learning experience in a developing country
- Provide recommendations, program materials, and / or other resources to the international community service learning site.
Textbook Materials
Coursepack and other readings as determined by faculty.