CUSP-202 Community-Based Learning: Networks, Reflection, and Meaning

Not Scheduled for This Year. Credits: 2

Community-based learning that effectively develops civic leaders and engages purposefully in community development requires students to develop networking, reflection, and analytic practices. Readings on civic engagement, discussions and exercises will advance campus and community networks, writing and oral reflection on field experiences, and information-sharing so students will better understand themselves and communities. This course is designed to facilitate learning and impact for CBL Program student staff pursuing concurrent fellowships and mentorships. Students in C.A.U.S.E. leadership, off-campus work-study, and independent study positions may also enroll by permission.

Applies to requirement(s): Meets No Distribution Requirement
Other Attribute(s): Community-Based Learning
The department
Instructor permission required.
Advisory: For current CBL Fellows only. Instructor permission required.
Notes: Meets Wednesday nights. There is a 12-credit limit on curricular support and non-liberal arts courses that may be counted towards the 128 credits required for graduation.

CUSP-203 Integrating Learning, Service, and Social Action

Spring. Credits: 2

Community-based learning (CBL) is a central aspect of the liberal arts curriculum -- as it facilitates student learning outside the College gates with community partners in ways that can effect social change. Such learning requires self-reflective practices, project planning and assessment, and knowledge of local histories. Through course readings, discussion, and community visitors, this class is designed to facilitate community-based learning for CBL student staff, C.A.U.S.E. leadership, student interns or future interns, as well as any student with a general interest in CBL.

Applies to requirement(s): Meets No Distribution Requirement
Other Attribute(s): Community-Based Learning
D. Hernández
Notes: Remember, there is a 12-credit limit on curricular support and non-liberal arts courses that may be counted towards the 128 credits required for graduation.

CUSP-208 Fundamentals of Maker Culture

Spring. Credits: 2

This course is an introduction to common shop practices in the MHC Makerspace. In this course, you will learn to safely operate equipment and to both develop and mentor projects, with a focus on inclusive pedagogy. Emphasis will be placed on class participation as well as hands-on project based assignments. Priority will be given to those seeking to work as Makerspace Consultants.

Applies to requirement(s): Meets No Distribution Requirement
K. Aidala
Instructor permission required.
Advisory: Application and permission of instructor required. Application found here: https://bit.ly/FundMakerCulture
Notes: Note: There is a 12-credit limit on curricular support and non-liberal arts courses that may be counted towards the 128 credits required for graduation.

CUSP-212 Peer Mentoring: Theory and Practice

Spring. Credits: 2

This course is an introduction to theories and practices of collaborative learning for students preparing to work as mentors in the Speaking, Arguing, and Writing Program (SAW). We will draw on existing research, practice sessions, class discussion, and our own writing and speaking to craft our philosophies of peer mentoring and to develop effective practical strategies.

Applies to requirement(s): Meets No Distribution Requirement
Other Attribute(s): Speaking-Intensive, Writing-Intensive
M. Shea
Instructor permission required.
Notes: Meets second half of the semester on Monday evenings. Remember, there is a 12-credit limit on curricular support and non-liberal arts courses that may be counted towards the 128 credits required for graduation.

CUSP-215 Intergroup Dialogue

CUSP-215RR Intergroup Dialogue: 'Understanding Race and Racism in the United States and Mount Holyoke College'

Fall. Credits: 1

In a culturally and socially diverse society, discussion about issues of difference, conflict and community are needed to facilitate understanding between social/cultural groups. In this intergroup dialogue, students will actively participate in two days (16 hours) of semi-structured, face-to-face meetings with students from other social identity groups. Students will learn from each others' perspectives, read and discuss relevant reading material, and explore their own and other groups' experiences in various social and institutional contexts. Students will also explore ways of taking action to create change and bridge differences at the interpersonal and social/community levels.

Applies to requirement(s): Meets No Distribution Requirement
M. Keehn
Instructor permission required.
Advisory: Interested students must complete an online application: Fall 2024 application
Notes: Students may take this weekend dialogue experience for 1 academic credit or may participate without registration as a co-curricular opportunity. In addition to the weekend meetings, there are reflection papers to be completed before and after the dialogue. Note: There is a 12-credit limit on curricular support and non-liberal arts courses that may be counted towards the 128 credits required for graduation. If students are unable to make the orientation meeting, they can set up an alternative meeting time with the instructor.

CUSP-235 Intergroup Dialogue: Facilitating Conversations About Social Justice

Not Scheduled for This Year. Credits: 2

Intergroup Dialogue engages individuals and groups in facilitated small group processes to explore difficult issues to develop shared meaning across lines of difference, and generate opportunities for collaborative action. This course is designed to give students both a theoretical and practical foundation in the awareness, knowledge and skills needed to effectively plan, facilitate and evaluate Intergroup Dialogues. Students will develop skills in facilitating multicultural group interactions and work with conflict that may emerge engaging topics such as group dynamics, conflict intervention, intergroup communication and group building

Applies to requirement(s): Meets No Distribution Requirement
M. Keehn
Instructor permission required.
Prereq: CUSP-215RR.
Advisory: Students must have completed CUSP-215RR or a comparable intergroup dialogue experience from another institution and must complete the required application: Fall 2023 application
Notes: Note: There is a 12-credit limit on curricular support and non-liberal arts courses that may be counted towards the 128 credits required for graduation.