International Service Learning/Study Abroad Opportunity in Jamaica

Posted by on November 25, 2005

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

ATTENTION UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE STUDENTS

International Service Learning/Study Abroad Opportunity in Jamaica
First Summer Session (May 15 ?June 14, 2006)
3-6 credits (Undergraduate/Graduate)

For further information, contact:

Dr. Novella Keith, Urban Education Program, 242 Ritter Hall, (215) 204-6940; novella.keith@temple.edu.

Application deadline: March 1, 2006.

Course Description

An international service learning course experience is available to students from Temple and other universities during Summer I, 2006. Students register for 6 course credits (graduate or undergraduate): Urban Education 321, Special topics – International service learning; and Urban Education C060 (Schooling and Development in Third World Societies). With special permission, students may register for 3 credits instead of 6. Graduate students who enroll in these courses will do additional work and receive graduate credit. This learning experience takes place during a one-month stay in Jamaica (arriving on site on May 15 and ending on June 14).

The program is based in the Parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica, with lectures and discussions conducted by Dr. Nelson Keith (West Chester University, distinguished faculty, retired), Dr. Novella Keith (Temple University), Dr. Mike Dorn (Temple University) and Jamaican university lecturers and professionals. This course combines academic learning and learning in the field. Students will spend two days a week at a variety of sites (transportation provided), where they will engage in service learning and community education in one of the following areas: technology in the schools, alternative schooling for pregnant teens, early intervention and therapeutic recreation for children with disabilities, eco- and maroon-heritage tourism, and public health/sanitation. During the first week, students will be introduced to service learning partners and sites, Jamaican history and culture, and socio-educational and development issues. They will also undertake background reading and research on one of the service learning projects with which they will be associated during their stay. During the second or third week, students will also spend time in university housing and attend lectures in Kingston (University of the West Indies/University of Technology). During the last week of the course, students will write an integrated research paper, combining class insights and field observations and will make presentations and offer their insights and suggestions to participating community stakeholders. For students enrolled in 6 credits, it will be possible to combine course requirements and produce one comprehensive final paper.

Fridays and weekends will be devoted to educational travel/excursions. Field trips will include visits to agricultural cooperatives and banana plantations to learn about sustainable development strategies; sugar plantations to interview local workers and examine the legacies of colonialism; urban and rural schools and universities to examine issues including the digital divide and women?s empowerment; and alternative tourism development sites (beaches, marshes, biodiversity reserves, forest hiking). Collectively, these experiences deepen students? understanding of and commitment to addressing global problems. Students seem to come out of the experience transformed, and it is quite common to hear them say that it has changed their lives.

To learn about Edu-Tourism and past courses, go to <a href="http://www.edu-tourism.org">http://www.edu-tourism.org</a> and <a href="http://courses.temple.edu/neighbor/jamaica/">http://courses.temple.edu/neighbor/jamaica/</a>