Community Problem Solving: Confronting Challenges in Local Communities

Catalog description

This community-based learning course aims to connect students with the realities of their surrounding locale by exploring the social, economic, and environmental challenges of a particular community. Through a study of historical events, community development undertakings, and visits to global/ local institutions, students will learn the origin, magnitude, and current initiative, if any, to alleviate societal challenges. The community of Santa Barbara is used as an example, with the understanding that students can use the skills gained to positively impact and work in any community they enter. Hence, this course will include field trips to various Santa Barbara historical sites, museums, and global organizations. Students not residing in Santa Barbara can connect with organizations and individuals in their location, with instructor guidance, to maximize course impact. (For Santa Barbara students - this course will help students start conceptualizing the problem-solving skills for their final capstone course.)