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A Semester of Service is all about discovery. When the community becomes the classroom, many students find learning intensifies -- previous lessons come to life: theories get tested; career plans suddenly warrant a second look. All of this will likely make Semester of Service an integral part of your education at UD and beyond.
Imagine what you could learn...
- Semester of Service Sites - non-profit agencies and community centers are chosen for their ability to provide a challenging educational experience.
- Required 3-Credit Course - weekly seminars during Semester of Service explore themes of social justice, urban issues, social change and personal reflection with other Semester of Service participants.
- Additional Credit (optional) - available to participants who work with their departments on directed studies or research connected to Semester of Service.
Timing is critical. While students may hope to earn additional independent study credits during the actual Semester of Service experience, it might prove impractical given the demands of a 40-hour work week or the possible tuition cost. You might find it more practical and beneficial to undertake the additional study and earn the additional credit in a subsequent semester.
UD's Semester of Service staff want to help you to capitalize fully on your Semester of Service experience, so we've compiled a list of suggestions for pursuing additional credit -- through independent study or an internship. The next steps are up to you.
Before Your Semester of Service…
- Be creative. For example, one student connected her work with a local homeless shelter to a study of human rights in the context of her international studies major. You can start by checking the following list of possible subjects and topics, many suggested by department chairs themselves, along with instructions on how to proceed.
- If a department or topic is not listed, we suggest you contact the chair to explore your options.
- Follow the department’s procedures for securing approval for your independent study or internship before you formally register for the additional credit.
Reminder: All departments urge you to plan ahead (i.e., have your plan approved the semester before you hope to earn the credit).
Some Options for Earning Additional Credit
The following are suggestions from departments, but be creative. How do you want to connect your experiences with your formal coursework? What do you want to learn?
Communication: Dr. Donald D. Yoder, Chair (SJ-121A, 229-2028)
Communication majors (any concentration) are encouraged to contact Dr. Donald Yoder first, ideally the semester before service, to develop a plan. Options include independent study or internship (maximum six hours for each).
English: Dr. Brian Conniff, Chair (HM-200A, 229-3434)
Independent study reading courses can be approved for 1, 2, or 3 credits. You may approach a member of the English faculty to work with you, or if you need a referral, meet first with Dr. Conniff for his advice. Internship credit is also available for writing; for instance, if you are doing a lot of promotional writing or grant writing as part of your Semester of Service assignment, you may be able to earn 1-3 credits for this experience (please see the department chair).
Possible Topics
Literature of the Homeless
Readings in Poverty
Urban Literature
African American Literature
Hispanic Literature
Grant Writing
History: Dr. Julius Amin, Chair (HM-400A, 229-2848)
Students are advised to contact either the chair or a faculty member directly to secure approval of a topic and to develop a plan for independent study credit.
Possible Topics
Urban History, Housing - Dr. Janet Bednarek, x92848
Work and Labor History - Dr. Caroline Merithew, x93047
General American and Local History - Dr. William Trollinger, x92827
or Dr. Una Cadegan, x93468
African American Studies, Race Relations, Education, Dr. Julius Amin, x94324
Philosophy: Dr. William Richards, Chair (HM-421, 229-2933)
First contact Dr. William Richards to discuss your Semester of Service work and your background in Philosophy. Dr. Richards will recommend faculty who might be able to serve as advisor for either a PHL 490 Directed Readings course or for a PHL 495 Internship in conjunction with your service activity. These courses can be taken for 1-3 credit hours. Note: Registration for course credit is contingent on identifying a willing faculty advisor and completing a course contract.
Possible Topics
Theories of social justice and their application to service (e.g., communitarianism, welfare liberalism, libertarianism, feminism, etc.)
Theories of social service
Theories of human rights and needs
Philosophy of peace
Environmental ethics/environmental justice
Professional ethics in social service settings
Political Science: Dr. Chris Duncan, Chair (SJ-227B, 229-3648)
Make an appointment with Dr. Duncan to discuss the topic you would like to study in depth. He will either direct you to a faculty member or work with you personally.
Possible Topics
Local Dayton Politics
Social Justice in Decision Making
Student Civic Engagement
Homelessness and Legislation
Psychology: Dr. David Biers, Chair (SJ-329, 229-2713)
To arrange an independent study, you are welcome to contact either the Psychology Chair, Dr. Biers, or individual faculty members. Another option may be a psychology internship tied to your Semester of Service; please contact Dr. Eliot Butter (229-2163).
Possible Topics
Urban Psychology
Cognitive Processes for Inner City Youth
Abnormal Psychology in the Homeless
Behavior Studies of the Addicted
Religious Studies: Dr. Sandra Yocum-Mize, Chair (HM-300, 229-4321)
Students have several options in religious studies to enhance their Semester of Service.
Option 1. Consider one of the following courses before or after your Semester of Service to focus on a particular theme:
Courses to Consider
REL 327 U.S. Religious Experience
REL 328 U.S. Catholic Experience
REL 329 African-American Religion
REL 358 Liberation Theology
REL 363 Faith and Justice
REL 365 Christian Ethics and the Environment
REL 367 Christian Ethics and Health Care Issues
REL 368 Christian Ethics and the Business World
REL 369 Christian Ethics and Engineering
REL 376 Theology and the Social Sciences
REL 484 Practicum
Option 2. With the permission of the instructor, students can add a one-credit directed reading course (REL 399) to be taken along with any of the above courses to increase exposure to the issues discussed in class and to relate readings to their Semester of Service activities.
Option 3. Students can work with a faculty member to develop a stand-alone course (also listed as REL 399) at an advanced level.
Note: REL 399 may be taken for 1, 2, or 3 credits. Please consult with the Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies, Prof. Maureen Tilley, HM-331, x94564 for details on how to proceed.
Possible Topics and Faculty Members
Medical Ethics - Dr Therese Lysaught, x92079
Faith and Justice, Economic Justice Issues, Dr. Kelly Johnson, x94393
ERG Ethics/Theological Perspective, Dr. Brad Kallenberg, x94320
Business Ethics/Biblical Perspective, Dr. Vincent Brannick, x94488
Liberation Theology, Dr. Dennis Doyle, x94219
US Cultural Issues, Dr. Tony Smith, x94490
African American Religion, Dr. Cecilia Moore, x94559
Ministry, Rev. Paul Marshall, x94439
Feminist Perspective/Inter-religious Dialogue, Dr. Judith Martin, x94438
Environmental Justice, Dr. Leanne Jablonski, x94406
Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work: Dr. Fran Pestello, Chair (SJ-429, 229-2138)
If you know a faculty member you want to work with, you should contact that person to plan your matching studies. If you need advice on which direction to take your independent study and who to work with, please contact Dr. Fran Pestello. (Special note: Social Work Internship credit will likely require additional work after the Semester of Service).
Possible Topics
Social Inequality
Racism in America
Studies in Urban Education
Non-Government Organizations
*Again, your best bet is to contact faculty early and check with your advisors to make sure the credit will work towards your degree.
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