The Experiential Classroom

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.

Explores how systems thinking can provide insights into complex and dynamic problems like climate change and systemic racism and inequality. Students use systems mapping techniques to visualize their emerging understanding of persistent social problems and examine approaches to addressing them that disrupt conventional models. Case studies include mutual aid networks and community-based safety.

A course intended to promote climate change education, resilience and action. Examines the basic science of climate change, its local and global impacts on the natural world, the built environment and humankind, and strategies for preventing its worst outcomes while preparing for those we can no longer avoid. Discourse enters the experiences of vulnerable communities already threatened by climate change and the issues related to the ethical and equitable distribution of resources to address it.

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.