Leadership in Service-Learning in Peru

Education

Location
Pittsburgh, PA in Spring Semester
Urubamba, Peru in Summer

Description
This course is different from other service-learning courses in that it is a course about service-learning, aimed at developing leadership skills in service-learning. It is part of the core offerings of the Social and Comparative Analysis of Education (SCAE) program in the School of Education but we also welcome grad and undergrads from all Schools to join us. Students are expected to take active roles in the seminar, in arts-based reflection exercises, and in individually designed projects that extend what we do in the field to our own professional and academic interests.

The course modules include: 1) Philosophies of service-learning, 2) Non-western concepts of Ñdevelopment,â 3) Team-building, 4) Institutionalizing experiential education, 5) Cross-cultural interactions, and 6) Becoming a global citizen.

This program is unique among Pitt's offerings in that faculty and staff join the core set of students to create an intergenerational, interdisciplinary team during the spring term and for the service-project. Among other outcomes, graduates of this course have gone on to paid leadership roles with Pitt's other (global) service-learning courses. This project is linked to several ongoing research programs; student members have co-authored research papers, contributed to a documentary film, and created curriculum units.

View the LINCS Website for more information.

Peru
For the service project, we will be partnering with the non-governmental agency, ProPeru to design a project high in the Sacred Valley of Peru. The project will be conducted for two and 1/2 weeks. We will be returning to a neighborhood near Urubamba, where we have a long-standing presence and record of successful past projects. Because this is a collaboration, we will work hand in hand with local educators, kids, and community members. The community invites us to work with them on a project they need, thus the exact project is not already set. However, it is likely to be either building a pre-school or constructing a computer center. In the past, we have had ample time to enjoy dances and bonfires together, explore regional cultural treasures, and discuss current events and education policies. We also plan a trek/train ride to Machu Picchu.

Details

Instructor: Maureen Porter

Course Cost

Credits: 9 (3 for the Spring term and 6 for the Summer term)

Credits Awarded: Credits are awarded for this course through the University of Pittsburgh. This course fulfills Leadership in Service-Learning (ADMPS 2344/EDUC 2104) for 3 credits and Service Learning Practicum (ADMPS 2354) for 6 credits.

Required Meetings: Spring term: Tuesdays 4:30-7:10; Location WWPH 4F27

Service-Learning Abroad: Summer term: June 20 - July 3, 2004

Apply and Enroll: Pitt students may directly enroll in the Spring section of this course. The CRN for the Spring is 47283 (ADMPS 2344). Non-pitt students should contact Amizade for more information about enrolling. Please also fill out and submit an application to Amizade to complete your registration for the Summer portion.