The descriptions below highlight the academic civic engagement component of each class. Please check the Academic Catalog for complete course descriptions and prerequisites.
Asian Studies/Environmental Studies
AS/ES 277 Environmental Sustainability in Japan
Instructor: Kathrine Tegtmeyer-Pak
Students investigate community-based approaches to environmental sustainability during this Interim course taught at the Asian Rural Institute (ARI) in northern Japan. Students explore how ARI builds on local Japanese resources to support its mission of training rural leaders from developing countries in organic agricultural practices. Activities include field trips, discussions, and symposia with Japanese students, as well as hands-on participation in the daily food life at ARI.
Environmental Studies
ENVST 137 Introduction to Environmental Studies
Instructor: Diane Angell
As part of this course, St. Olaf students visited Greenvale Community School twice during month-long Interim course to engage several classes of 3rd graders on topics related to food and the environment and healthy eating.
Mathematics
MATH 390 Mathematics Practicum
Instructor: Steve Mcklevey
Students will work in groups to inform and help address the needs of management agencies and interested organizations for the local Rice Creek Watershed, including the Bridgewater Township Board, Friends of Rice Creek, and Cannon River Watershed Partnership. The problem being investigated is hydrological modeling that will lead to recommendations for engineering work on flood mitigation. During this project, students will use computer coding and software design while learning the issues and vocabulary involved with mathematical modeling. The student groups will decide on promising approaches to their problem and carry out the necessary investigations with minimal faculty involvement. Each group will report the results of its investigations with a paper and an hour-long presentation to the Bridgewater Township Board.
Psychology
PSYCH 224 Community Applications
Instructor: Dana Gross
This course integrates on-campus classroom activities with service-learning placements. Readings, classroom discussions, and assignments highlight the unique theoretical perspectives, skills, and methods that psychologists use to address social problems and community needs through research, practice, and policy. Onsite experiences within the community provide opportunities for the application of previous coursework as well as guided written reflection about and exploration of students’ personal and vocational development.
Physics
Physics 360 Engineering Practicum
Instructor: Jason Engbrecht
Description pending approval
Social Work
SW 120 I Want to Help People
Instructor: Jennifer Manning
Students will be experiencing different shadowing opportunities with the Cedar House in Faribault, eating lunch with clients as a way of promoting healthy relationships, & then meeting as a large group to debrief. We also plan to go to the Community Action Center where we are scheduled to meet with the Housing Specialist & learn about transitional housing options and needs in Northfield. If possible, we will also help them organize their food bank.
SW 122 Global Challenges
Instructor: Susan Smalling
Students have the option of partnering with community organizations through a Taking Action project. Students engage with community partners in projects that involve education, awareness, or fundraising related to global challenges that impact the local community.