There are a variety of courses at the university which connect students with applied, real-world learning experiences. These courses may use different descriptive words like: applied, capstone, community engagement, field work, internship, practicum, service learning. In general, this means that students are engaged in off campus learning ("community based") activities as part of course learning.
The expectations and requirements for these courses and assignments differ depending on the type of course and the department, including:
- the learning outcomes or purpose of the assignment;
- hours requirements;
- how students find an external organization;
- the process for “placing” with the organization or confirming the community-based learning experience;
- how much of the course grade is based on the community-based assignment.
Students should always check with their instructor to ensure they know course expectations and requirements.
The Center for Community Engagement specifically supports community engagement courses.
Community Engagement is a special type of "community-based" or off campus learning. We identify community engagement courses by the student learning experience and community impact, not by course title or label.
Community Engaged Learning - These courses include a variety of community-based activities* that enhance student learning, benefit the community, and take place in collaboration with community partner organizations. Courses vary in how much the community-based assignment is integrated into the course.
Service Learning Courses - Service learning is a distinct type of community engagement. Ssubstantive community-based learning and the community partnerships are a highly integrated and critical component of the student learning experience. Course learning focuses equally on the community impact, collaboration with the partner organizations, and student civic learning.
*Community-Based Activities - Assignments at/with/for an external organization and connected to course learning or major/department learning outcomes
Again, these courses use different descriptive words like: applied, capstone, community engagement, field work, internship, practicum, service learning. Based on the student learning experience and the collaboration with the community, the courses below may be Community Engaged Learning or Service Learning.
Capstone: A capstone course requires successful completion of a thesis, project, or comprehensive examination. The quality of the student’s work is the major consideration in judging the success of this degree component. We consider capstone courses “community engagement” when a student’s capstone experience includes community-based learning.
Field/Fieldwork: “Field or fieldwork” courses provide students with community-based learning opportunities that are central to their major/degree academic work and are organized around enhancing the student's understanding of their field of study and having students demonstrate skills related to their future profession. While students usually have a site supervisor identified at the community-based organization, they are also expected to be able to work independently. Students generally take fieldwork courses towards the end of their degree of study, or as part of a graduate program. We consider field courses “community engagement” when a student’s academic program and professional work experience benefit the community.
Internship: Internships are formal work opportunities which integrate an academic program with career aspirations. We consider internships “community engagement” when, through an internship course led by a faculty member, a student’s academic program and professional work experience benefit the community, and students reflect on this through course assignments.
Practicum – Practicum courses provide students with community-based learning opportunities that are central to their major/degree academic work and are organized around enhancing the student's understanding of their field of study and having students demonstrate skills related to their future profession. While students usually have a site supervisor identified at the community-based organization, they are also expected to be able to work independently. Students generally take practicum courses towards the end of their degree of study, or as part of a graduate program. We consider practicum courses “community engagement” when a student’s academic program and professional work experience benefit the community.
Are you in a community engagement or service learning course? Check here!
Students in one of these courses may request community placement assistance from the Center for Community Engagement cce@csueastbay.edu
