Taught By:
Lara Rusch
Associate Professor
Social Sciences
University of Michigan - Dearborn
lrusch@umich.edu
Read profile here.
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the theory and practice of local democratic action. The course draws on the history, methods, and lessons of American community organizing traditions and the civil rights movement and relates those past experiences to current issues. In collaboration with local community partners, students learn about effective methods of civic engagement and leadership, as currently practiced in metropolitan Detroit. (Course Catalog)
Community organizing is rooted in effective interpersonal communication, shared interests, and collaborative action: it involves developing respectful public relationships, researching and sharing information, working collaboratively, and building networks across groups. It cannot be learned only from the classroom but must be actively pursued and practiced. This is an academic service-learning (ASL) course. ASL courses connect coursework with community engagement to enhance student learning and contribute to civic life. The course project focus for Summer 2023 is student housing insecurity.
