The Civic Engagement minor is open to all students in any major.

It is an excellent choice for students with interest in social action, civic responsibility and/or public policy, as well as students seeking to broaden their experience and scope of poten- tial career opportunities within their major.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

SVLN 330. INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY BASED RESEARCH. 3 semester hours.

This course is designed to allow students to engage in intensive study and action in community organizations. Students will ex- plore theories and concepts of civic involvement, and will be introduced to the background, principles and methodology of community based research (CBR). CBR is a research method conducted with and for members of the community. It is collaborative and change oriented and finds its research questions in the needs of the community. CBR provides data to inform the development of potential change strategies. Students will identify a social issue of interest to them and members of the community and determine a relevant research question. They will be involved in formulating a literature review and developing research methods to be implemented in the SLVN 451, Practicum in Civic Engagement, course. Although previous research experience is helpful, it is not necessary.

SVLN 340. SERVICE-LEARNING THEORY AND PRACTICE. 3 semester hours.

This course focuses on teaching leadership and service-learning theory and practice. Students who take this course will gain an in-depth knowledge of service-learning and will learn how to apply that knowledge within a discipline-based SVLN course. Students who successfully complete this course will be paired with a faculty member for the following semester and/or year to serve as a student TA for SVLN and/or OREN course(s). This course is open to students of junior status who have demonstrated campus leadership and are passionate about service. Prerequisite:  Permission of the instructor.

SVLN 351. SERVICE-LEARNING PRACTICUM. 3 semester hours.

This option is available during the summer and/or across the semester. Students will get experience putting the civic arts into practice by working at least 50 hours in service roles with governmental or not-for-profit community organizations with under-served populations, environmental or other social justice goals. Writing assignments and regular contact with the instructor prepare students to gain the most benefit from their service placements. Prerequisite: 30 Credit Hours

SVLN 354/CMNS 354. SERVICE-LEARNING IN NORTH- EAST TENNESSEE. 3 semester hours.

Students may engage in a variety of service activities with governmental or not-for-profit organizations within the Greeneville/ Greene County or Tri-Cities area. These activities involve issues of social justice, economic opportunity, environmental protection or restoration, education or health and wellness. They may use community-based research techniques to identify community needs and help accomplish community goals. Readings, class sessions, journals and writing assignments will help the students learn from their service experiences. Prerequisite: 30 Credit Hours.

SVLN 356/CMNS 356. SERVICE-LEARNING IMMERSION. 3 semester hours.

This course centers on travel where students will be immersed in a variety of service projects and learning opportunities. The service needed may involve issues of social justice, economic opportunity, education or health and wellness. Readings and re- search before the trip will help students understand the issues they confront and the setting where they are offering service. Discussion and writing assignments will help students reflect on and learn from their service experiences. The process of living and working together and making collective decisions will be a laboratory for the practice of civility. This course also includes an Honors component to support those students who are committed to continued academic achievement. This component will include a collaborative community project that connects the student’s major field of study to a need of the community where the student is working. The student will consult with a faculty member from their discipline before and after the project takes place to set appropriate goals and evaluate their completion. Additional texts and/or readings related to the project will be included. A summary and report of the project will be presented to the campus community at the end of the course. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.

SVLN 450. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN SERVICE-LEARNING. 1-3 semester hours.

This  course  provides  additional  in-depth  experience  in  service-learning and/or the opportunity to research issues raised by a previous service-learning course. Advance arrangements should be made with the instructor. Prerequisites: SVLN 354 or 356.

SVLN 451. PRACTICUM IN CIVIC ENGAGEMENT. 3 semester hours.

This course is designed to allow students to engage in intensive study and action in a community organization. Students will explore theories and concepts of civic involvement and methodologies of community-based research, participatory action research and community mapping using GIS and GPS technology. Students will develop and implement a community-based research or mapping project around a social issue and /or with a public policy focus with a public or private not-for-profit organization pertaining to their major to address a community need. Prerequisite: SVLN 351, 354, or 356 (or satisfaction of the Service-Learning requirement).

SVLN 455. CIVIC ARTS PROJECT/CAPSTONE INTERNSHIP. 3 semester hours.

This capstone course is designed to prepare students to develop and implement a Community-Based Research and/or a Civic Engagement project, when possible, with a public policy focus. Drawing on the student’s learning and experience from previous community work, the student will have identified a community need. Through practical deliberation, problem-solving and discussion with community members, the student will design the project. A proposal must be developed and a project committee established including the student, a community member, a representative from the Center for Civic Advancement and a faculty member chosen by the student. Prerequisite: SVLN 451.