The objective of this service-learning course is to offer advanced students of French an opportunity to engage in experiential learning related to community service work. It provides French students with unique service learning opportunities by connecting them with partnered community organizations outside of the University setting which deal with French-speaking immigrant communities. Currently, students volunteer at Freedom House in Detroit, an organization which offers shelter and legal help to victims of persecution seeking asylum in the US, many of whom come from French-speaking Africa. The academic component of the course focuses on the Francophone African countries Freedom House residents are from and introduces students, although superficially, to these countries’ historical, social and cultural contexts. In addition, the US asylum process is explained and discussed. Students are given the opportunity to collaborate with Freedom House’s legal department by doing supervised translation work and they are in charge of organizing a fundraising event benefitting Freedom House. There is a $50.00 lab fee to cover the cost of the vehicle rental and gas. Please contact Dominique Butler-Borruat (dborruat@umich.edu) for more information.

Course Requirements:

Students receive 2 academic credits, and are required to dedicate 3 hours/week at the site (commute not included); to come prepared to a weekly group session (readings, translations, reflection journals); to complete a midterm and a final project and to organize a fundraiser. There is a $50.00 lab fee to cover the cost of the vehicle rental and gas.

Intended Audience:

Advanced students of French

Class Format:

The course meets one hour every Thursday 4:00-5:00. Students go to Freedom House in Detroit every Tuesday 4:00 – 9:00 PM.