Community Service -Learning (CSL) utilizes community service as part of the academic inquiry in a wide variety of courses. Among other things, CSL courses allow students to test classroom learning against their off-campus experiences, as well as put their academic insights and practical skills to use serving the greater Worcester community. Some CSL courses involve students volunteering multiple times at local agencies; most courses, however, involve specific service projects students do together. For example, CSL students have explored management principles while working on a Habitat for Humanity construction site, explained biology concepts to elementary school students, and used graphic design skills to help real-life, non-profit community partners.
The Community Service-Learning Minor
Many students find themselves more than halfway to the CSL Minor without even realizing it; a few have even earned it as part of a triple-minor, with CSL courses double-counting for requirements in a major or minor. The minor gives students who like experiential learning an opportunity to take multiple courses in that educational format, but also allows students to reflect on the variety of kinds of service, and various ways different disciplines can contribute to the broader community. CSL minors are also asked to reflect on their service journey as a whole.
Required Courses (6 Courses)
The CSL Minor consists of five (5) elective courses that have been approved by the CSL director, plus a capstone independent study course. CSL students also must complete 125 hours of service during their time at Assumption.
The heart of the minor is the taking of CSL courses in at least three different disciplines. A fourth course – IDS 425, the CSL Minor Capstone independent study – also requires community service. The remaining two courses consists of (1) a theology course and (2) either a fifth CSL course or any course that engages social justice issues in some way. (Ask the director if a course counts.) CSL minors must also accumulate 125 hours of community service while at Assumption. Students often earn most of these hours through the CSL courses themselves, but the minor also requires at least some hours through some other form of service at Assumption, usually either volunteering locally through the Reach Out Center or going on a SEND mission trip through Campus Ministry.
Sample CSL Courses
Often a single academic course will be offered in a CSL format one semester, but not the next. Thus the list of CSL courses is always changing – and growing. When registering in a particular semester, look for the CSL designation. Past CSL courses include: