The Experiential Classroom
The Social Impact Lab develops experiential learning methods that nurture essential skills for effective, equitable, and accountable social changemaking: systems thinking, ethical reasoning, complex problem-solving, perspective taking, and cultural humility. Through experiential grant making, systems mapping, case studies, and a variety of micro-experiences built into SIL courses, students are challenged to navigate cognitive, ethical, and emotional dissonance, develop self-authorship and agency, and reflect on their identities and moral responsibility as social change makers.

Courses
Offers students an opportunity to explore the nonprofit sector’s multifaceted role in U.S. society and its relationship to democracy and social change. Introduces theoretical and practical frameworks for examining contemporary models of nonprofit and philanthropic practice and examines the ethical implications of engaging in and funding activities designed to effect social change. Offers students an opportunity to apply these concepts by mapping the complex systems within which social challenges emerge and by making real dollar grants to local nonprofit organizations.
The overarching goal of this course is for students to understand how persistent problems (e.g., income inequality, health disparities, climate change, food insecurity) and their potential solutions manifest within complex and dynamic systems. We will examine how human systems come into being, how they can intentionally and unintentionally perpetuate inequity and where opportunities exist for individuals and organizations to address them more effectively by applying systems thinking. The course will provide an overview of theories, practices, and tools of systems thinking and opportunities to apply them to both one’s personal experiences and a variety of complex challenges facing the U.S. and other countries. In addition to systems thinking, this course is designed to cultivate critical thinking, complex problem solving, ethical reasoning, perspective taking, relationship building, collaboration, accountability, and personal and intellectual growth through class discussion, reflection, group work, and systems mapping.
Intended for first-year students in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities. Introduces students to liberal arts; familiarizes them with their major; develops the academic skills necessary to succeed (analytical ability and critical thinking); provides grounding in the culture and values of the University community; and helps to develop interpersonal skills—in short, familiarizes students with all skills needed to become a successful university student.