INVST Community Studies Electives

Check out our updated list of Fall 2009 courses!

In each course, students will experience a sense of community in the classroom.  We limit our course enrollment so that we can enhance connections among students, deepen opportunities for learning and be responsible to the Community Partners we're serving.

Fall 2009 COURSES ARE HERE! Below is the list of academic classes open to all students this fall:

INVS 1000:  RESPONDING TO SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS THROUGH SERVICE LEARNING
By integrating theory with required community service, students explore how problems are shaped by cultural values and how alternative value paradigms affect the definition of problems in areas such as education and the environment.  Students examine different approaches to solving problems and begin to envision new possibilities.  Approved for Arts and Sciences core curriculum:  Ideals and Values.  4 credit course available in Fall 2009.  Taught by Elaina Verveer on Wednesdays, 3:00-5:30pm in HLMS 263.

INVS 2919:  RENEWING DEMOCRACY IN COMMUNITIES AND SCHOOLS
Examines concepts of activism, citizenship, democracy, power and diversity through classroom discussions and participation in a local high school's Public Achievement project.  Through community-based partnerships, students will develop leadership skills; dialogue with diverse groups of people; identify multiple perspectives around controversial issues; and learn to use research and writing to articulate public problems and advocate for their solutions.  Recommended prereqs., INVST CLP courses or INVST Community Studies electives.  May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.  Taught by Elaina Verveer in Fall 2009, 3 credits, on Thursdays, 3p-4:30 pm in KTCH 119.  This course also meets off-campus on Wednesdays 12:25-1:55 pm or Fridays, either from 1:00-2p or 2:00-3 pm.

INVS 3041:  SELF AND CONSCIOUSNESS
Explores human development from a psychosocial perspective, focusing on the interplay between psychological patterns and social forms.  Issues such as self-image and social consciousness are studied within the larger context of individual and collective forces leading to transformation.  Same as SOCY 3041.  Prereqs. SOCY 1001 and either SOCY 2001, 3001 or 3011, or instructor consent.  This 3 credit course is offered in Fall 2009.  Taught by David Meens on Wednesdays, 3:00-5:30 pm in Hale 260.

INVS 4999:  TEACHING SOCIAL JUSTICE
Students participate in a service-learning practicum under the supervision of an INVST instructor.  They explore teaching strategies for implementing concrete educational goals.  Focusing on the issues of social justice and social change, they learn how to encourage higher levels of creativity and analysis among students.  This course is variable 1-6 credits.  May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.  Prereqs., INVS 3932 and 4932.  Must have completed 12 hours required INVS CLP course work (with a minimum grade of B-).

Here is a list of other courses offered throughout the academic school year.  THESE CLASSES ARE NOT AVAILABLE Fall 2009:

INVS 1513: CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: ELECTIONS AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Designed to educate students about electoral politics, this course explores why people participate in electoral politics and who they choose to support.  Students develop the practical skills necessary to participate successfully in the electoral process.  Through a service component, the course offers students experience working on a campaign and mobilizing others to vote.  This is a 3 credit course.

INVS 1523:  CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: DEMOCRACY AS A TOOL FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
Educates and inspires students for civic engagement by exploring democratic values and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.  Develops theoretical knowledge and practical skills for participating in a diverse democratic society, especially at the state level, through analyzing legislative issues, making policy recommendations, and advocating for change.  Prereq., INVS 1513, or instructor consent.  Approved for Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum: United States Context.  3 credit course.

INVS 3000:  INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO CONTEMPORARY ISSUES THROUGH SERVICE LEARNING
This course explores creative approaches for solving complex social and environmental issues, with a focus on peace and population.  Students analyze the root causes of issues in theoretical and historical contexts, and develop their understanding of effective and innovative approaches to change.  This course has a requirement of community service.  Approved for Arts and Sciences core curriculum: Contemporary Societies. Recommended: Upper-division status.

INVS 3100:  MULTICULTURAL LEADERSHIP:  THEORIES, PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES
This course focuses on leadership theories and skills necessary for effectiveness in multicultural settings.  Students gain understanding of traditional and culturally diverse approaches to leadership and change through comparative analyses of western and non-western theories and practices.  Community service required.  Same as ETHN 3200.  Approved for Arts and Sciences core curriculum:  Cultural and Gender Diversity.  Recommended:  Upper-division status.

INVS 3304:  HUMAN RIGHTS: PROMOTION AND PROTECTION, AN NGO PERSPECTIVE
Explores the world of international human rights with a focus on the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the evolution of human rights ideologies, social structures, technologies and strategies.  Students examine the inter-relatedness and inter-dependence of human rights, and the work of non-governmental organizations as related to other institutions of civil society, national governments, and international bodies.  Recommended prereq., INVS 1000, or instructor consent.

INVS 3402 (4033): IMPLEMENTING SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
This course examines grassroots democracy as a means for creating comprehensive, solution-based strategies to address social and environmental problems.  Students develop an understanding of the use of democracy for positive social change, identify how changes are initiated within movements, and learn the theory and practice of effective and responsible change efforts.

INVS 4041:  THE CREATIVE SELF
Experimental approach to the creative process that fosters experimentation outside of conventional patterns of thinking and expression, and explores the use of imagination and creative thinking in problem-solving, writing, and art.  Same as SOCY 4041. Prereqs. SOCY 1001 and either SOCY 2001, 3001 or 3011, or instructor consent.

INVS 4302: CRITICAL THINKING IN DEVELOPMENT
This course requires students to critically evaluate explanations, presented in assigned or optional readings or in student papers, on the success or failure of development. Learners look at policy proposals for facilitating development.  Prerequisite:  ECON 2010 and 2020, PSCI 2012 and one upper-division PSCI, or instructor consent. Same as PSCI 4732 and similar to PSCI 4012. Approved for Arts and Sciences core curriculum: Critical Thinking or Contemporary Societies.

Some of the curricular content of the INVST Community Leadership Program is based upon the work of Seana Lowe Steffen, Ph.D.,

Contact Melissa Rubin by calling 303-492-7719 to ask questions about course registration.