Amizade Global Service-Learning > Past Programs
Summer 2007
Program Title: Australia: Research Writing
Academic Departments: English
Intercultural Location: Brisbane and Harvey Bay, Australia
Academic Instructor: Christopher Boettcher, Ph.D.
Service-Learning Facilitator: Jackie Mitchell
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Program Description
This program will focus on how narrative can present and shape research. Students will read compelling texts that use researched materials to make an argument or explore a question or series of questions for a general audience. Students who are generally interested in the social and political impact of tourism and urban and suburban development, the challenges a community faces in dealing with these changes, and issues of conservation and preservation are encouraged to apply, as are students who are interested in issues of writing for the public.
We will study methods for outlining, gathering sources, and drafting and rewriting. Students will consider the challenges other writers face when working with research: how to avoid plagiarism, for example, or how to integrate library research and live interviews. We will also discuss specific stylistic and rhetorical strategies writers use to shape their work. Part of class time will be spent reading and discussing student writing.
While in Australia, students will write every day. On site, students will take notes, conduct interviews, and keep a journal. Students will be expected to write a 12-15 page essay by the end of term. They are encouraged to use their own interests and disciplines to direct and shape the course of their research.
We will be serving on a community farm that is part of a larger organization dedicated to preserving Aboriginal culture. There are several ongoing developmental projects on the farm that students can work on, including a community center, an interpretative trail, an organic garden and a tree nursery. These are all designed to provide the community with business opportunities that will allow members to participate in the larger culture while preserving their own cultural heritage.
Before traveling to Australia, some coursework will be done electronically. This includes some reading and two short writing assignments. Students will choose an area of interest and design a plan for their research before leaving through regular email correspondence with the instructor. Students will complete final course research and writing upon return to the US.
This course counts toward the certificate in Public and Professional Writing and satisfies a writing requirement at the University of Pittsburgh.
Prerequisite: Seminar in Composition or a similar introductory or advanced composition course
Australia
The Amizade program in Australia is located in beautiful Hervey Bay in partnership with the Korrawinga Community Farm. As the Aborigines continue to live within and alongside the larger Australian culture, there are continuous efforts to preserve their traditional culture, including their music, art, and livelihood. The Korrawinga Organization is dedicated to promoting Aboriginal culture by providing opportunities for economic self-sufficiency. The Korrawinga is a nonprofit organization that was created to preserve aboriginal culture and give aboriginal people a chance to become self-sufficient. The service project takes place on the Scrub Hill Community Farm located 15 miles outside of Hervey Bay.
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Academic Details
Academic credits are awarded for this course through West Virginia University. The program will fulfill 6 academic credits in English:
- English: Composition and Rhetoric
- 3 undergraduate credits (ENG 102)
AND
- Service-Learning: Global Service-Learning
- 3 undergraduate credits (SRVL 293)
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Program Timeline
May 15 - 31
Online classroom discussions and academic preparatory work
June 1 – June 23
Travel to Brisbane and Harvey Bay, Australia
Service, field visits, lectures, documentaries, discussions, and reflections
June 24-July 10
Online classroom discussions and academic completion of program
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Program Tuition >>
Program Application (pdf) >>
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