Organizing, Power and Hope Learning Agreement

Course Requirements:

The seminar is a one-credit hour course (THEO 33965) graded "S" or "U."   Course requirements include: attendance at four preparatory sessions, assigned readings, participation in the meetings and activities during the seminar in Chicago, one follow-up meeting, and a 5-page reflection paper or other approved projects.   All requirements must be completed by   date to be determined .

Objectives:

• To experience various community and labor organizing models in the Chicago area through dialogue with leaders and participation in social action, and through reading and reflection.
• To analyze the contemporary situation of neighborhoods in Chicago, and to understand the role of churches in affecting social change.
• To learn how faith motivates the commitments of those involved in the various organizing efforts.
• To enter into prayer with the community of students, team members, and other small communities and/or parishes.
• To return to campus and present insights of service/learning and explore potentials for ND collaboration with the other Chicago based programs in the future.

Criteria for Participation:

An enthusiasm for, and an expressed interest in, the seminar and its objectives are the primary criteria for selection.   There will be an attempt to have cultural diversity among the participants.   It is open to any student in good standing at the University of Notre Dame. Students are to conduct themselves according to the policies listed in DU LAC.   Some preference will be given to a few seniors who might be exploring Chicago as a possible location for work / service the year after graduation.   Otherwise, diversity in participants will be the basic criteria for selection.  

Expenses:

Students assume the travel costs to and from the site and public transportation during the journey.   The program fee will be $150.00 per student.   This covers food, housing, and supplies, and will be assessed through student accounts during Feb. or March.   If you are accepted into the seminar and decide not to participate before the second class meeting, your student account will be billed a $40 cancellation fee.   If you are accepted into the seminar and decide not to participate after the second class meeting,  your student account will be billed for the full $120 amount.   There will also be additional costs for any meals eaten outside of the group gatherings.  

 ***Limited financial aid is available.***

Meetings: Information, Preparation, and Follow-up:

Participation in ALL required meetings is mandatory.   The dates of the four preliminary meetings are: to be determined for 08-09 academic year.   The follow up session will tentatively be set for to be determined.   All meetings will be held at the Robinson Community Learning Center  921 North Eddy St. unless informed otherwise.

Registration:

Applications will be available on-line at the CSC web site starting September 25th. All applications must be submitted on-line by:  date to be determined for 08-09.  When you register for the course, you are agreeing to complete all the steps in the Learning Agreement.   Grades of "S" or "U" will appear on the May grade report.   Once invited into the seminar, information concerning registering for the course will be shared. A $40.00 registration fee  will be charged to your student account upon your application and is non-refundable if accepted into the seminar.

Saint Mary’s College students are eligible to apply for participation in CSC seminars. As with participation in other Notre Dame classes, you must first fill out the SMC at ND CoExchange Form (under "CoExchange Information"). This must be done before applying. Note that the deadline for filling out this form to take a Winter 09 (during Christmas break 08-09) or Spring 09 seminar is Fall break, 2008. Fill out the CoExchange Form now, even if you have taken a class at ND before, are not sure what class you will take, or whether or not you will take one. This form does not commit you to taking a class, but it will establish your Notre Dame Net ID (sent to you in an email), which you will need to log on to the seminar application. It will also give you the date/time to register if you do apply and are accepted. For questions contact Sally Burns, Seminar Assistant.