The following courses are examples of those that offer undergraduate students an opportunity to participate in CBR for class credit. If you are interested in adding your course to this list, please email Marina Navia at mnavia1@nd.edu or Naomi Penney at npenney@nd.edu.
For a complete list of courses go to Community-Based Learning Course Guide .
Mexican Immigration: A South Bend Case Study
Karen Richman, Institute for Latino Studies
Fall 2009
Mexican immigrants are the fastest growing ethnic group in South Bend. Their three-fold increase over the past decade in South Bend and myriad other U.S. cities reflects how deeply institutionalized migration has become as a domestic strategy for escape from the pressure of relentless poverty, rural decline, and underemployment in rural Mexico. Despite their massive exodus, however, Mexican migrants remain connected to their homelands, unlike earlier migrants who eventually severed their ties to their home countries. Kinship networks, economic relations, political activities and religious practices simultaneously involve Mexicans in home and diasporas locations. Mexican migrants allegedly send home about $13 billion annually. The Mexican government encourages the mobility of its people and offers novel ways to unify those abroad in a border less nation.
This course combines service and experiential learning in the Mexican community of South Bend in order to understand how Mexican migrants conduct their lives across the vast distances separating South Bend and their homeland. At the beginning of the semester, we tour the Mexican immigrant neighborhood of South Bend, visiting the agencies and organizations that provide services to these newcomers. Students apply to volunteer as tutors, assistants and interpreters at selected sites, including schools, clinics, law offices throughout the semester. The service settings and the relationships students establish through them will be the basis for ethnographic research. The results of this research will be presented at the end of the term in both written form and in-class presentation
Researching Disease: Methods in Medical Anthropology
Daniel Lende, Department of Anthropology
Fall 2009
This class will provide extensive classroom and hands-on training in research methods for medical anthropology. It will place slightly greater emphasis on qualitative methods, such as participant observation and interviewing, but it will also provide an overview of quantitative methods (including building surveys and some basic statistical analysis). Students will learn by doing, conducting original research on contemporary health issues in the local community (such as HIV/AIDS and substance abuse).
Graphic Design III
Robert Sedlack, Jr., Department of Art, Art History, & Design
Fall 2009
Logo and Identity Design for local not-for-profit agencies —
Every semester my Graphic Design 3 students are asked to design a new logo and initial identity pieces for not-for-profit organizations. The organization can be in South Bend area or their hometown. Many students have had their work accepted and produced, including logo and additional design materials for the Potawatomi Zoo, Center for the Homeless Paint Services, El Buen Vecino, Notre Dame Pilot Initiative, Campus Ministries, Global Health Alliance, A Different Way, Iron Sharpens Iron, Reins of Life, A.D.A.P.T., and Holy Cross Elementary School.
Environmental Justice
Kristin Shrader-Frechette, Department of Biological Sciences/Philosophy
Fall 2009
Students in this course will study the phenomenon of environmental injustice as it relates to how poor people, minorities, and children are most affected by pollution and usually endure much higher pollution levels. For example, hazardous-waste sites are disproportionately surrounded by black and Latino communities. The course examines some of the scientific ways polluters get away with this injustice and some of the ethical reasons for correcting it. It also shows students how their research and service can help correct it. Main coursework is project based: analyzing ethical or scientific flaws in impact statements, regulations, or policy decisions that disproportionately affect the poor and minorities. Students will work with the communities to analyze their health and environmental materials and obtain a statement of the problem. They will be analyzing draft government impact assessments to show whether they meet the scientific or ethical standards necessary to protect poor people and minorities. Students supply the results of their analyses to the affected communities as well as to legislators. In the past, this research has been used to protect children and poor people in many areas of the US and abroad.
Internships
Carolina Arroyo, Political Science
Fall 2009
The goal of the internship program is to integrate academic learning with the world beyond the classroom. Internships are available throughout the Notre Dame area with a variety of government offices, non-profit agencies and NGOs. Interns work with professionals in their area of interest, explore career options and gain real work experience. Interns are required to work 6-8 hours per week. All internships are unpaid. Internship credits are elective and do not fulfill any major requirements.
Education Action Research Seminar in India
Tamo Chattopadhay, Institute for Educational Initiatives & Rachel Tomas Morgan, Center for Social Concerns
Fall 2009
This course will provide a unique experiential learning and action research opportunity for students in partnership with one of India’s leading educators, Sister Cyril Mooney, Principal of Loreto Day School in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). The hallmark of Sister Cyril’s vision of social justice is the “Rainbow School”- an innovative education program whereby Loreto School’s students from fifth grade onwards are required to act as student-teachers for the underprivileged children (mostly street children, child laborers and children of families in extreme poverty) who participate in non-formal education activities within the same premises – on the rooftop of the school building. The Rainbow model of school within a school has fundamentally challenged the class, religion and caste divisions of the Indian society and has engaged young people across the social divide into empowering and mutually enriching teaching-learning experiences. Notre Dame students taking this course will conduct Instructor-guided qualitative research studies of child poverty, adolescents’ social exclusion and innovative educational interventions targeted at the root causes of poverty and marginalization in India’s increasingly prosperous and unequal society. Instructor approval required.
Systems Analysis and Design of Information Systems
Daewon Sun, Management
Fall 2009
An in-depth study of the analysis and design of information processing systems. One of the projects is Analysis and Design of Information Systems in Community Service Organizations where the students will determine the problems and opportunities of the current system used in the social organizations, provide a business model of the system, recommend a revised model, and create a prototype of the revised model, usually a database management system on Microsoft Access. All work completed will be documented and submitted to the social organization for future reference and implementation.
Participants in the past included the following: DISMAS House of Michiana, Center for the Homeless, Women’s Care Center, La Casa de Amistad, YWCA, and Habitat for Humanity.
Marketing Research
John Gaski, Marketing
Fall 2009
Required for all marketing majors. A study of the application of scientific method to the definition and solution of marketing problems with attention to research design, sampling theory, methods of data collection and the use of statistical techniques in the data analysis. In several cases, application will be with not-for-profit organizations.
Engineering Projects in Community Service
Greg Madey, Computer Science and Engineering
Fall 2009
Toys Group | Contact Paul Brenner or Greg Madey
This project involves the configuring of toys and other electrical powered items for use by the therapists at the Logan Center and St. Joseph Medical Center. With the modified items, the therapists will be able to work more effectively with the mentally and physically challenged youth.
St. Margaret’s House, Women’s and Children’s Center | Contact Paul Brenner or Greg Madey
Architectural design project for open unused space at the center. Additional software support projects anticipated.
Logan Industries | Contact Paul Brenner or Greg Madey
Design projects for Logan Industries packaging and assembly facility. Additional software support projects anticipated.
Autism Center of Michiana | Contact Greg Madey
Development of an interactive website that serves as a critical component of the Center, which was created through a cooperative effort between a variety of community institutions (local school systems, hospitals, and the Logan Center) and the University of Notre Dame. The website serves as an informational tool, both locally and nationally, and a search vehicle to identify the population of individuals with autism in this region (estimated to number about 2000).
St. Joseph Chapter of the American Red Cross | Contact Greg Madey
Computer science and engineering students working with the St. Joseph County Chapter of the American Red Cross to design and deploy an online data management system that will enable the local chapter to be more effective and efficient in serving the community when responding to disasters and emergencies. The databases they are developing identify and track resources (food, blankets, temporary shelter, clothing, medications, etc.) along with geographical data to simplify the complex task of matching needs to resources for quicker response times for people in need.
Chemistry in Service of the Community
Dennis Jacobs, Chemistry
Fall 2009
Lead poisoning presents a serious risk to the neurological development of young children. Chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical engineering majors have the opportunity to join community partners in assessing lead contamination in area homes. Students will interact with residents in local neighborhoods, provide information on the health risks associated with lead poisoning, collect paint chips, soil, and dust samples, and analyze them for lead levels. This community-based learning experience is open only to students who are simultaneously enrolled in Analytical Chemistry (CHEM 30333 and 31333) or have taken CHEM 31333 previously. CHEM 30331 count towards graduation as one science-elective credit.
Animal Welfare and the Human-Animal Bond Community Based Learning Seminar
Kay Stewart and Michelle Whaley, Science, Technology, and Values
Fall 2009
Over 11,000 animals are surrendered to local St. Joe County shelters each year and over 50% are euthanized due to a lack of homes who want them. The focus of this course will be on pet overpopulation, specifically working with animal shelters and veterinarians in our community. This course will also cover animal behavior from an evolutionary perspective, animal welfare issues, and will intimately and meaningfully connect the state of humans, to that of animals. The students will carry out community research projects and will immerse themselves in an important community issue and generate data that can help the plight of animals (and therefore humans) in our community.
Restoration and Historic Preservation Concentration
Krupali Uplekar, John Stamper, Alan Defrees, and Steven Semes, School of Architecture
Fall 2009
Beginning in fall 2007, architecture students entering their fourth year may participate in the Preservation and Restoration Concentration. The concentration initially includes the following courses: Research and Documentation of Historical Buildings (Krupali Uplekar), History of American Architecture 1630-1915 (John Stamper), Historic Preservation and Traditional Construction (Alan Defrees), and History and Theory of Preservation (Steven Semes). This is a relatively new field and advance methods are being generated everyday that could help in betterment of preservation of old structures. Restoration and Historic Preservation is needed to help architectural students understand the need of preserving traditional architecture and, in some cases, studying the art of restoration of traditional buildings that have degenerated due to various reasons. The concentration provides a detailed reference to the recording methods and techniques that are fundamental tools for examining any existing structure.
Action Research in Catholic Schools I
Jim Frabutt and Anthony Holter, Institute for Education Initiatives
Fall 2009
Action Research in Catholic Schools I presents concepts, methods, and strategies for conducting classroom-, school-, and parish-based strategic inquiry. Students implement the research plan designed in EDU 73777 (a proposal for self-directed school- or community-based action research in the field), with a specific focus on statement of the research problem, literature review, research design, and data collection. The course is required of Masters of Educational Administration candidates, and open only to those enrolled in this degree program.
Action Research in Catholic Schools
Jim Frabutt, Ronald Nuzzi, Anthony Holter, Institute for Educational Initiatives
Fall 2008
Action Research in Catholic Schools I presents concepts, methods, and strategies for conduction classroom-, school- and parish-based strategic inquiry. Students implement the research plan designed in EDU 73777, with a specifci focuse on statement of the research problem, literature review, research design and data collection.
Computer Science and Engineering Service Projects
Gregory R Madey, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Fall 2008
Habitat for Humanity – This project will provide database design and implementation for the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. This database project will develop tools for the Habitat organization to trace materials, donors, and other information related to the mission of Habitat.
Autism Resource Site – This project will provide database, website, and networking support for a national resource site for Autism. Current projects include the design and implementation of online surveys, discussion groups, news feeds, secure registration, and general website design.
Toys Group – This project involves the configuring of toys and other electrical powered items for use by the therapists at the Logan Center and St. Joseph's Hospital. With the modified items, the therapists will be able to work more effectively with the mentally and physically challenged youth.
Montessori School Technology – This project involves the support, analysis, tutoring and planning for information technology at a local Montessori school.
Environmental Justice
Kristin Shrader-Frechette, Department of Biological Sciences/Philosophy
Fall 2008
Students in this couse will study the phenomenon of environmental injustice as it relates to how poor people, minorities, and children are most affected by pollution. For example, hazardous waste sites are disproportionately surrounded by black and latino communities. The course examines some of the scientific ways polluters get away with this injustice and some of the ethical reasons for correcting it. It also shows students how their research and service can help correct it. Main coursework is project based: analyzing ethical or scientific flaws in impact statements, regulations, or policy decisions that disproportionately affect the poor and minorities. Students will work with the communities to analyze their health and evironmental materials and obtain a statement of the problem. They will be anaylyzing draft government impact assessments to show whether they meet the scietific or ethical standards necessary to protect poor people and minorities. Student supply the results of their analyses to the affected communities as well as to legislators. In the past, this research has been used to protect children and poor people in many areas of the US and abroad.
Leadership, Ethics, and Social Responsibility
Jay Brandenberger, Center for Social Concerns/Psychology
Fall 2008
This course examines leadership and empowerment issues from multidisciplinary perspectives, focusing on the role of the leader within organizations that promote service, social action, or other forms of social responsibility. Alternative models of leadership are explored, with attention to value and moral implications.
Marketing Research
John Gaski, Marketing
Fall 2008
Required for all marketing majors. A study of the application of scientific method to the definition and solution of marketing problems with attention to research design, sampling theory, methods of data collection and the use of statistical techniques in the data analysis.
Mexican Immigration: A South Bend Case Study
Karen Richman, Department of Anthropology, Institute for Latino Studies
Fall 2008
Mexican immigrants are the fastest growing ethnic group in South Bend. Their three-fold increase over the past decade in South Bend any myriad other U.S. cities reflects how deeply institutionalized migration has become as a domestic strategy for escape from the pressure of relentless poverty, rural decline, and underemployment in rural Mexico. This course combines service and experiential learning in the Mexican community of South Bend in order to understand how Mexican migrants conduct their lives across the vast distances separating South Bend and their homeland. At the beginning of the semester, we tour the Mexican immigrant neighborhood of South Bend, visiting the agencies and organizations that provide services to these newcomers. Students apply to volunteer as tutors, assistants and interpreters at selected sites, including schools, clinics, and law offices throughout the semester. The service settings and the relationships students establish through them will be the basis for ethnographic research. The results of this research will be presented at the end of the term in both written form and in-class presentation.
Seminar, Educational Research
Stuart Greene, Julianne Turner, or Joyce Long, Education, Schooling and Society
Fall 2008
Students will learn about both methods and topics in educational research. Students will design and execute an original research study.
Strategies and Tactics of Non-Violent Social Change
David Cortright, Institute for International Peace Studies
Spring 2008
This course will help students understand and participate more effectively in movements for nonviolent social change. Students will become familiar with both the theories of nonviolence and social action and the practice of effective social organizing. Topics to be addressed include the religious roots and philosophy of nonviolence, recent cases of nonviolent social struggle, principles of strategy, and the techniques and methods of nonviolent action, including media communications, fundraising, lobbying, grass roots organizing, and coalition building. Relevant historical and contemporary examples will be reviewed to illustrate how movements for social change work in practice. Course work will consist of readings, lectures, videos, and class discussion on the identified topics. In addition, students will be asked to participate in class activities and team learning exercises. Two team learning exercises are scheduled during the semester.
Graphic Design III
Robert Sedlack, Design
Spring 2008
This advanced course in visual communication is for students who intend to pursue the field of graphic design after graduation. The class will help prepare students both technically and creatively for professional practice by focusing on research-based projects.
Health, Healing and Culture
Daniel Lende, Department of Anthropology
Spring 2008
This course provides an introduction to the field of medical anthropology. Medical anthropology examines beliefs, practices, and experiences of illness, health, and healing from a cross-cultural perspective to show that illness, health, medicine, and the body are shaped by social relationships and cultural values from the local level of the family and community to the global level of international development and transnational capitalism. This course will consider the ways in which medical anthropology has historically been influenced by debates within the discipline of anthropology as well as by broader social and political movements. Particular emphasis will be placed on the importance of viewing biomedicine as one among many culturally constructed systems of medicine. Some of the key issues which we will explore are: medical pluralism and therapeutic choice; biocultural studies; medicalization; the political economy of health and disease; the anthropology of the body; the role of medicine and disease in colonialism and postcolonial movements; and applied medical anthropology.
Chemistry in Service of the Community
Dennis Jacobs, Department of Chemistry
Fall 2007
Lead poisoning presents a serious risk to the neurological development of young children. Chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical engineering majors have the opportunity to join community partners in assessing lead contamination in area homes. Students will interact with residents in local neighborhoods, provide information on the health risks associated with lead poisoning, collect paint chips, soil, and dust samples, and analyze them for lead levels. This community-based learning experience is open only to students who are simultaneously enrolled in Analytical Chemistry (CHEM 30333 and 31333) or have taken CHEM 31333 previously. CHEM 30331 counts towards graduation as one science-elective credit.
Children and Poverty-Developmental Implications
Jay Brandenberger, Department of Psychology/Center for Social Concerns
Spring 2007
Every fifth child in America faces hunger or poverty. This course examines the impacts of youth poverty and related concerns from the perspectives of developmental and social psychology. Key topics will include conflict resolution and violence prevention, moral development and resiliency within challenging contexts, and educational inequalities/potentials. Central to the course will be an emphasis on children's developing cognitive perceptions of self in relation to society, and an examination of potential solutions, model programs, and relevant social policy. Readings will be drawn from a variety of sources and discussed in seminar format. Active student participation and community-based learning/research are fundamental to the course.
Environmental Justice
Kristin Shrader-Frechette, Department of Biological Sciences/Philosophy
Fall 2007
Students in this couse will study the phenomenon of environmental injustice as it relates to how poor people, minorities, and children are most affected by pollution. For example, hazardous waste sites are disproportionately surrounded by black and latino communities. The course examines some of the scientific ways polluters get away with this injustice and some of the ethical reasons for correcting it. It also shows students how their research and service can help correct it. Main coursework is project based: analyzing ethical or scientific flaws in impact statements, regulations, or policy decisions that disproportionately affect the poor and minorities. Students will work with the communities to analyze their health and evironmental materials and obtain a statement of the problem. They will be anaylyzing draft government impact assessments to show whether they meet the scietific or ethical standards necessary to protect poor people and minorities. Student supply the results of their analyses to the affected communities as well as to legislators. In the past, this research has been used to protect children and poor people in many areas of the US and abroad.
Introduction Community-Based Participatory Research Method
Naomi Penny, Department of Anthropology/Center for Social Concerns
Fall 2007
This seminar introduces students to CBPR as a method for conducting research that can utilize both quantitative and qualitative methods. The course focuses on ways in which students and community partners can work together to affect social change. Readings primarily emphasize CBPR projects in public health, but also include interdisciplinary content areas, such as social psychology.
Archaeology Field School
Deborah Rotman, Department of Anthropology
Fall 2007
This module will consist of practical instruction in the methods and theory of archaeological survey, excavation, and laboratory analysis. Students learn field techniques and apply them to investigations of both prehistoric and historic archaeological materials by working with artifacts collected during the field course.
Mexican Immigration: A South Bend Case Study
Karen Richman, Department of Anthropology, Institute for Latino Studies
Fall 2007
Mexican immigrants are the fastest growing ethnic group in South Bend. Their three-fold increase over the past decade in South Bend any myriad other U.S. cities reflects how deeply institutionalized migration has become as a domestic strategy for escape from the pressure of relentless poverty, rural decline, and underemployment in rural Mexico.
This course combines service and experiential learning in the Mexican community of South Bend in order to understand how Mexican migrants conduct their lives across the vast distances separating South Bend and their homeland. At the beginning of the semester, we tour the Mexican immigrant neighborhood of South Bend, visiting the agencies and organizations that provide services to these newcomers. Students apply to volunteer as tutors, assistants and interpreters at selected sites, including schools, clinics, and law offices throughout the semester. The service settings and the relationships students establish through them will be the basis for ethnographic research. The results of this research will be presented at the end of the term in both written form and in-class presentation.
Art, Art History, and Design: Graphic Design III: Transpo Publicity Campaign
Robert Sedlack, Department of Art History, and Design
Fall 2007
Each semester two projects of four in the Graphic Design 3 class are an organizational identity project and an indentity/publicity campaign project. For the organizational identity, students identify a not-for-profit in South Bend or in their hometown and design a new logo, business papers (letterhead, envelope, and business card), as well as an additional communications piece (poster, brochure, web site, etc.). This project lasts one-third of the semester.
The other project covers the entire semester. Students work with a local organization (SB Transpo, Memorial Hospital, Potawatomi Zoo) and identify areas in which better graphic communication could make a demonstrable difference for the selected organization. Last semester students worked with the zoo and addressed av ariety of challenges, including interior and exterior signage (public street signage and didactic panels), publicity (newspaper, magazine, billboards), environmental design (banners, kiosks, etc.), general identity (logo and applications), and the zoo website.
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
John Fitzmartin, Department of Management
Fall 2007
Entrepreneurs are passionate about their ideas but often lack research skills, time, or access to market data. Since 1998, student teams from this course have completed Feasibility Analyses for local entrepreneurs recommended by Jim Gregar of the Small Business Development Center. The student teams provide objectivity to balance the entrepreneur’s passion. The program provides real-time cases for students. Students interview their entrepreneur as the project begins and meet with her/ him several more times throughout the project. The entrepreneurs attend the student team’s oral, in-class presentation and receive a written feasibility analysis.
Computer Science and Engineering Service Projects
Gregory R Madey, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Fall 2007
Habitat for Humanity – This project will provide database design and implementation for the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. This database project will develop tools for the Habitat organization to trace materials, donors, and other information related to the mission of Habitat.
Autism Resource Site – This project will provide database, website, and networking support for a national resource site for Autism. Current projects include the design and implementation of online surveys, discussion groups, news feeds, secure registration, and general website design.
Toys Group – This project involves the configuring of toys and other electrical powered items for use by the therapists at the Logan Center and St. Joseph's Hospital. With the modified items, the therapists will be able to work more effectively with the mentally and physically challenged youth.
Montessori School Technology – This project involves the support, analysis, tutoring and planning for information technology at a local Montessori school.
Community Research Practicum
Mark Gunty, Department of Sociology
Fall 2006 & Spring 2007
This variable credit course gives students the opportunity to conduct research for community-based service organizations in St. Joseph County. Building on skills developed in Methods of Sociological Research (SOC 302), students work on existing research projects or identify new projects that will help local organizations evaluate the effectiveness of their programs, conduct needs assessment or do other kinds of empirical research. Students work with representatives of the organization to articulate their research questions, to develop methods for addressing those questions validly, to resolve measurement issues, and to collect appropriate data. All methods of social science research can be considered, but it is likely that survey and content analysis strategies will be used most often. Depending on the nature of the project, the student may also be involved in data base construction, data analysis and reporting. The primary focus is learning how to put research skills at the service of the community.
The Ethics of Energy Conservation
Margaret Pfeil and Wilasa Vichit-Vadakan, Department of Theology
Spring 2006
This is a joint theology and engineering course exploring the ethics of energy conservation by using the method of community-based learning. Students will begin by using the university campus as a "trial laboratory" for measuring energy efficiency and thinking creatively about possible energy conservation measures. We will then ask them to conduct a limited energy efficiency and conservation study for selected non-profit organizations in the South Bend community. This course will fulfill a number of civic learning goals, including: the cultivation of theological and scientific competence in environmental ethics; the identification of leadership skills necessary to address the concrete concerns facing non-profit organizations as they strive to meet pressing human needs in an environmentally sound manner; and, formation of consciences sensitive to the social responsibility of caring for the environment. Maximum enrollment: 20 students.
Researching Disease: Methods in Medical Anthropology
Daniel Lende, Department of Anthropology
Fall 2006
This class will provide extensive classroom and hands-on training in research methods for medical anthropology. It will place slightly greater emphasis on qualitative methods, such as participant observation and interviewing, but it will also provide an overview of quantitative methods (including building surveys and some basic statistical analysis). Students will learn by doing, conducting original research on contemporary health issues in the local community (such as HIV/AIDS and substance abuse).
Why Are People Poor?
Mary Beckman, Arts & Letters College Seminar
Fall 2006
Are people poor because they make bad choices? Because of the situation into which they are born? Because of laws and systems? These are among the questions that will be investigated in this course. We will consider ways various disciplines from the humanities, arts, and social sciences complement one another to enhance our understanding. We will also visit an area organization that addresses aspects of poverty, and students will do research or service for a local organization. They will develop oral skills through several in-class presentations.
Many of the courses that offer CBR opportunities were developed through a CSC Course Development Grant.
