Wang Center for Global Education

January on the Hill

Course Description:

This is an intensive experience of community work in Tacoma's Hilltop and Salishan neighborhoods where students learn first-hand about poverty and participate in community service projects. The class may be involved in physical work as well as human contact in food banks, elementary schools, senior centers, shelters, and agencies serving refugee and immigrant populations.  We will explore the meaning of service from multiple perspectives.


Faculty Leader
Dr. Kathleen Russell, Assistant Professor of Social Work, 253-535-7643 or russelkz@plu.edu

Course Highlights:

  • The course explores the interconnection of community, poverty, and thoughtful service.  Students will explore the meaning of service from multiple perspectives and volunteer in agencies that address problems of homelessness, hunger, employment, and learning English as a second language.
Course Objectives:
  • To acquaint students with the issues that cause and mitigate homelessness and poverty.
  • To engage students in reading about, hearing about, writing about, and doing thoughtful service.
  • To develop a personal understanding and ethic of meaningful service.
  • To put faces and names to "homeless and poor" people.
  • To challenge one's own stereotypes and myths about people.
  • To grow and learn in community with others.
  • To learn about oneself as one encounters people from all walks of life.

Course Credit:

SOCW 175/491: January on the Hill (4 credits).  A, S2 (GUR) or SO (GenEd), department credit, satisfies First-Year J-Term Residency Requirement.

Program Fee:

$200. Includes all instructional and administrative fees and program related transportation. PLU reserves the right to add a fuel surcharge in response to unanticipated price increase.


These estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional expenses not included in the program fee. 

  • Pre-travel evaluation at the PLU Health Center = $45 *All students are required to visit either the PLU Health Center or a personal healthcare provider to achieve the proper medical clearance.  Be aware that other medical providers may charge additional fees that may result in a higher cost than the PLU Health Center.
  • Immunizations = a flu shot generally recommended.
  • Textbook  = estimated $18 to $23 + tax
 

Application Deadline:

April 13, 2012, for first consideration. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is required with the application. A $75 non-refundable program payment to confirm participation in the course is due within 10 days of notification of acceptance. Maximum 18 students.

Contact
Wang Center for Global Education
253-535-7577
253-535-8752 (Fax)
868 Wheeler Street
Tacoma, WA 98447-0003