New course to build on students' earthquake service
10 June 2011
The University of Canterbury is launching a new course enabling students who had significant service experiences related to the earthquakes to critically examine the concept of community engagement.
The University of Canterbury is launching a new course enabling students who had significant service experiences related to the earthquakes to critically examine the concept of community engagement. The course, CHCH101 - Rebuilding Christchurch: An Introduction to Community Engagement in Tertiary Studies, will be worth 15 points and have offerings in Semester 2, 2011 and Summer School, 2011-2012.
“For those who engaged in community service, CHCH101 will give you the opportunity to reflect on your experiences of earthquake relief and tie those experiences to your areas of study,” said course coordinator Dr Billy O’Steen. “CHCH101 attempts to dive deeper into those experiences and formalise the reflection process in connection with other texts and readings from the world of volunteer service and community engagement.”
The academic component of the course will be primarily delivered online. In addition, there will be a practical service learning requirement, which has already been completed by the students’ earthquake service experiences.
“Essentially, you will need to have done enough service to reflect upon your actions because your service experience will serve as a primary text for CHCH101,” course coordinator Lane Perry said. “If you assisted with the UCSA Student Volunteer Army or worked with another local community group that would count. If you helped neighbours in your community with clean-up, passing out food, being a shoulder, a listening ear, a friend. If you feel as though you have provided a significant contribution for a community following the September and February earthquakes then you are eligible to enrol in CHCH101.”
Upon successful completion of the CHCH101 course, domestic students who completed their service related to the September and/or February earthquakes in Canterbury will be able to apply for a fees reimbursement.
“The course fees for domestic students who completed their service related to earthquakes in Canterbury will be refunded as a scholarship in recognition of your contribution to earthquake recovery,” said Dr O’Steen.
There will be no pre-requisites to enrol in CHCH 101, however students under 20 years old will require UE or its equivalent. The course will be offered both as a Certificate of Proficiency to those not seeking credit towards a full degree programme of study or potentially as part of degree programmes.
“In many cases the course may count as an elective. In some cases it may not count towards your qualification but you can enrol under a “Certificate of Proficiency”, which will be recorded on your official transcript” said Dr O’Steen.
UCSA President, Kohan McNab states that participating in CHCH101 would allow students to reflect on the magnitude of their contribution. “UC students are unique in that they have consistently shown that they are prepared to step up and contribute to their community. CHCH101 gives students a great opportunity to engage more in thinking about this contribution, allowing them to better understand the value it provides to their community and to themselves.”
For further information on CHCH101 please contact the Course Coordinators, Dr Billy O'Steen (billy.osteen@canterbury.ac.nz) and Lane Perry (lane.perry@pg.canterbury.ac.nz) or visit CHCH101 Special Topic.
For more information please contact:
Dr Billy O'Steen
CHCH101 Course Coordinator
billy.osteen@canterbury.ac.nz
Lane Perry
CHCH101 Course Coordinator
lane.perry@pg.canterbury.ac.nz
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