This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary academic discipline of community studies.Topics include the importance of understanding self and place, theories of community change, basic community-based research methods, and the importance of civic engagement.

This course examines poverty as a problem for individuals, families, and societies. It focuses on the United States, perhaps the most impoverished of any developed nation. This course emphasizes discussion intended to advance understanding and prompt critical analyses of the assigned readings. Prerequisites: None.

Topics will vary from semester to semester and will be announced in advance. May be taken for more than one semester. Prerequisites: CE 250 or consent of instructor.

Community-based research (CBR) is a collection of research methods focused on social justice and social change. This field-based course presents an overview of CBR weaving together three key areas. First, an exploration of the historical and theoretical underpinnings of CBR. Second, key aspects of CBR practice such as ethics, working with diverse populations, program planning, and program evaluation. Third, the skills CBR practitioners use to collect and analyze data in their work. Prerequisite: CE 250 or consent of instructor.

This course is designed to familiarize students with mobilizing and development of issue campaigns. The content of the course will focus on an understanding of social action, change and advocacy. Organizing a campaign refers to a particular form of community participation in which "grassroots" people learn techniques to share in power. This implies that the model will focus on recruiting grassroots membership and targeting systems for change. The methods may include collaborative problem solving, strategic planning and confrontation. Targets for change may be individuals, systems, institutions, and policies.

Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will undertake an extensive reading course to further their understanding of a specific topic within Community Studies. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours. Students are limited to six hours total from CE 397 and CE 398 combined. Prerequisites: CE 250, declared minor, junior/senior standing, and consent of instructor.

Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will undertake an independent research project to further their understanding of a specific topic within Community Studies. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours. Students are limited to six hours total from CE 397 and CE 398 combined. Prerequisites: CE 250 or consent of instructor.

Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will be placed with a local community-based organization to gain practical experience in a community setting. May be repeated twice for a maximum of three hours. Prerequisites: CE 250 or consent of instructor.

Topics will vary from semester to semester and will be announced in advance. May be taken for more than one semester. Prerequisite: CE 250 or consent of instructor.

In this course, students will apply core knowledge from the interdisciplinary academic discipline of community studies to address a community-identified need. Special attention is given to reflection and professional preparation for various career paths including nonprofit and community-based organizations, and governments. Prerequisites: CE 250 and 12 credits in the minor or instructor consent.