LA 100 –Service and Compassion

 


Courses Schedule Mass Media Department IMC/KLIF Webcams Briar Cliff University

Description
Objectives
Grading
Attendance
Required Text


Requirements

Your grade in this course is based on the following:

The Journal (250: journal entries, 2 checks)
Research Paper (175)
Discussions (100)
Final Exam (200)
St Francis Day activity (25 pts)
Fall Convocation (25 pts)



Schedule

You will have assigned readings prior to every class period. Please read the material thoroughly (you may have to read it twice on occasion) prior to coming to class.

Sept 9 Soul of a Citizen 1-3
  Introduction
Sept 16 Soul of a Citizen 4-6
   
Sept 23 Soul of a Citizen 7-9
   
Sept 30 Soul of a Citizen 10-12
   
Oct 7 Grandfather's Blessing
Section I
  Service Opportunity
Oct 14 Grandfather's Blessing
Section II
  Service Opportunity
Oct 21 Grandfather's Blessing
Section III
  Service Opportunity
Oct 28 Grandfather's Blessing
Section IV
  Service Opportunity
Nov 4 Grandfather's Blessing
Section V/St Francis Readings
 

Service Opportunity
papers/journal due

Nov 11 Grandfather's Blessing
Section VI
  reflection/review







 

Description


The time you spend on community service activities could be some of the most rewarding time you will commit to a class. Through selective readings, class discussion, community service and personal reflection, this course encourages students to put their spiritual values and beliefs into action in the larger community. This course requires 10 hours of community service. As we meet only once weekly, students must be prepared to attend every class without exception. We will work as a group in soup kitchens, prisons, and other service learning settings as a means of developing heart and spirituality. We will examine questions about the human condition: Who are we? How did we get to be this way? Where are we headed? What is our place in the world? What should the value of the individual be? What are the meanings of good, truth, beauty and freedom?

Objectives

Students will be able to:

  • identify a community service need in the local geographical area.
  • engage in community service in order to gain a deeper understanding of issues related to diversity, social justice, community, and civic engagement.
  • apply soft skills such as: positive attitude, good communication skills, honesty, ethics, etc.
  • demonstrate both oral and written communications skills through a reflective journal and group discussions.
  • gain an understanding of and appreciation for multiple perspectives and how power and privilege shape these perspectives.
  • recognize the importance and gratification of engaging in creative, soulful work such as service.

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory. All service activities will require the presence of everyone in the class. Absences are not accepted. Participation in class discussions,and student professionalism are also factored into your classroom grade. You must be self-motivated to succeed. I am here to help you as you develop ideas, interests and questions. If you have special needs in this class (linguistic, medical or otherwise), please let me know during the first two weeks of the term.

Required text

Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in a Cynical Time
Paul Rogat Loeb
ISBN: 0312204353
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

My Grandfather's Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge and Belonging
Rachel Naomi Remen
ISBN: 1573228567
Publisher: Riverhead Trade

Back to top