Service learning is an instructional strategy whereby people learn and develop skills through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences that both meet actual community needs and support an academic curriculum.
The service learning element of the course provides a rich context for learning by linking the academic and electronic spaces to the wider community. By working with a community partner, you will gain practice imagining and composing a web project that isn't limited to the classroom in its scope, purposes, and audiences.
As it is the foundation for the major project of this course, you are required to participate in service learning at a pre-selected site arranged through the UW's Carlson Center. The service experience will cover eight weeks of the quarter (from week 2 to week 9), with a minimum commitment of 2.5 hours per week for a total minimum of 20 hours over the quarter. You will not be graded on the number of hours that you work, but since your final project (45 % of your final grade) will depend on this experience, it will not be accepted unless this minimum service commitment is met.
Students who think that the service commitment may be difficult to manage should seriously reconsider if this course is feasible. The success of your final project for the course, as well as your personal investment in designing it, will be dependent on your engaged involvement with your service learning project. Moreover, the organization with which you volunteer will be depending on your commitment and professional behavior.
Click the following link to see a list of service learning positions available to this class.
Below are links to information about the organizations: