UGRD > PCSCOR

Public&Community Services Core

• PCSCOR 200  Concepts of Community

  Description:
  This course serves as an introduction to the field of community studies by providing you with an understanding of the main perspectives about the nature and types of communities and some of the key current debates in the field. We will explore the history of the concept of community, how sociological, anthropological and urban studies theories address "communities" and explore the contemporary manifestations of "communities" such as utopian communities, racial/ethnic enclaves, religious communities and virtual communities, etc.   More Info
  
  Offered in:

  • 2013 Fall
  • 2013 Spring

• PCSCOR 220  Concepts of Social Justice

  Description:
  This course is an introduction to the conception of justice as fairness, and its application to professional practice in public and community service and civic engagement. The role of public and community service professionals in advancing the aims of social justice is examined in the context of modern societies. Students are engaged in the critical analysis of the causes and consequences of social injustices; examine various frameworks for appraising institutional and societal practices that prohibit equal access to opportunities; and explore individual and collective strategies to remove barriers to opportunities, resulting in a more justice society.   More Info
  
  Offered in:

  • 2013 Fall
  • 2013 Spring

• PCSCOR 300  Diversity and Cultural Competence

  Description:
  Social and cultural differences based upon class, gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, age, and religion have important implications in our society and hence in our public and community services. These social categories differentially impact individuals personal relationships and groups social, economic and political status within the society. This course provides students with a foundation for understanding the values, beliefs, and behavior, and historical circumstance of various diverse groups. It will examine critically the influences of dominant cultural and structural policies and practices or organizations and agencies that determine the social hierarchy of various groups. Additionally, this course will examine the adaptive capabilities and strengths of marginalized groups and how such capabilities and strengths can be used in providing effective public and community services. This course is intended to expand students cultural awareness, knowledge, and skills to work in public and community services locally and globally. Emphasis will be placed on defining and developing skills for culturally competent public and community service workers through students critical reading of class material, self examination, and experiential learning.   More Info
  
  Offered in:

  • 2013 Fall
  • 2013 Spring

• PCSCOR 325  Civic Engagement

  Description:
  Civic engagement refers to the vast range of activities of people, at different levels, working to make a difference in the public life of communities. Getting involved in the electoral process, volunteer tutoring, organizing a community clean-up, and working to obtain affordable housing, are all forms of civic engagement. In this introduction to civic/community engagement students will learn about the roles citizens can play to strengthen communities and work for the public good. They will learn about the history of civic engagement in the United States, the various roles they can take to engage with communities, the knowledge, skills, and values they need to be effective. Students will participate in a community based civic engagement experience and will reflect on the learning about civic engagement, the community, the issue, and about themselves. They will explore their options for responding to these issues. Students will learn introductory skills and knowledge of civic engagement. In the process they will increase their understanding of how their own social location and identity how that effects their engagement. They define issues and think about root causes, look at power as a factor, identify community institutions and resources, and identify and describe types of leadership. Through their engagement and reflections students will work on developing 21st skills such as listening, collaborating, empathizing, and negotiating to provide the foundation for future endeavors in civic engagement.   More Info
  
  Offered in:

  • 2013 Fall
  • 2013 Spring

• PCSCOR 350  Media and Society

  Description:
  The media are currently our main source of information about everything from entertainment trivia, daily news, and pressing social concerns to people, communities, and cultures around the globe. As such, the media have become powerful tools in the organization of information, the production of knowledge, and the shaping of attitudes and behavior. In this course we will explore the complex relationship between the media and society. We will learn the history, development, and operations of the media. And we will explore the effects of mediated communication on the production, dissemination, and reception of information. As a computer enhanced course, we will make extensive use of online resources such as electronic reserved, web-based assignments, streaming audio and video, and online discussions.   More Info
  
  Offered in:

  • 2013 Fall
  • 2013 Spring

• PCSCOR 370  Professional Writing for Public and Community Service Professionals

  Description:
  This course is intended to fit variety of advanced academic and professional writing contexts for students in Human Services, Gerontology, Labor Studies, and community Studies. Students will learn how to write for advanced academic study and professional purposes. Examples of academic and professional writing products include research reports, literature reviews, case studies, grants, program development writing, summary reports, articles and op eds, policies and regulations, minutes, process reports, memoranda and letters. In addition, students will learn to locate and use journals, databases, and other resources that are relevant to their field.   More Info
  
  Offered in:

  • 2013 Fall
  • 2013 Spring