Service Learning

Serving the common good is at the heart of Catholic social teaching and part of Mount Mercy's mission and goals. Service learning courses have been developed to give students the opportunity to practice service while travelling. Service learning courses are normally offered in the Winter term.

Courses

SL 164 Service Learning-An Immersion Approach: 3 semester hours

In this travel course, students will immerse themselves in a service learning experience. During the winter term, students will spend the first few day of class learning about the importance of service through life and preparing for departure to San Juan, Texas. The class will then spend two weeks doing carious service projects in Texas and Mexico. The service experiences will range from building houses for those in need, to working at a free health clinic. Students will have some discretion regarding the type of service experiences they wish to perform. In addition, students will read, discuss and reflect on, though group sessions and writing, Robert Cole's book The Call of Service. Students will also be required to maintain a daily journal of reflections, participate in group discussions regarding daily activities, and prepare a group presentation of their experiences. This course will have additional expenses.

SL 165 Service Learning Abroad: 3 semester hours

This course will combine solid preparatory readings, discussions, and presentations on the host country and culture with an immersion experience in a different country and culture. Students will increase their multi-cultural sensitivity as they work together on a service project which will require them to interact appropriately with members of their host community. As students live and work in an unfamiliar country and society, they will have the opportunity to experience the interconnectedness of global issues such as international trade and immigration. Students will gain a better understanding of ecological and resource issues not only through their academic assignments, but also through experiencing daily life in a country where resources may be more limited.