All Students MUST carefully review the class times (listed below), site responsibilities, and volunteer times and locations prior to registering for a SOC 225 Project Community section. Site descriptions, volunteer commitment information, enrollment processes, FAQs, the override request form, and all other details can be found at the Project Community website
SOC 225 is an experiential course that is designed to help students participate in and reflect on community-engaged learning experiences through a sociological lens. Students are able to gain new perspectives on social inequalities through their experiences at a variety of sites, including elementary schools, afterschool programs, health clinics, correctional facilities, social services agencies, advocacy centers, and other community organizations in Southeast Michigan.
Access to transportation for off-campus community sites is available through the CEAL Ride Program. A $100 lab fee is charged to all SOC 225 students for program costs.
Community Sites for Winter 2020:
Education
002 — ED: Ann Arbor Public Schools– Work with elementary school students in the classroom
003 — ED: Brilliant Detroit– Provide literacy and educational programs in Detroit neighborhoods
004 — ED: ED: Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program –Tutor students in Detroit, and engage in enrichment activities that include boxing, other physical activities, music, cooking, science, technology, and the arts
005 — ED: Latino Family Services– Help youth build social and academic skills in Southwest Detroit
006 — ED: Mentor2Youth– Positively impact the futures of disadvantaged youth in Ypsilanti
009 — ED: Avalon Housing– Assist with afterschool programming for youth who have experienced homelessness
011 — ED: Peace Neighborhood Center– Engage in afterschool programs designed to promote education, health, and well-being
012 — ED: 826Michigan– Inspire students to write confidently and provide homework help
Public Health (Counts for the SHM Subplan & Minor)
007 — PH: Jewish Family Services– Provide medical appointment accompaniment for older adults, volunteer in the food pantry, or help with other programs.
008 — PH: Dawn Farm-Spera Recovery Center – Assist individuals recovering from addiction and substance abuse
010 — PH: U-M Psychiatry Clinic-Zero to Thrive – Engage children ages 0-6 in interactive play while families participate in mental health treatment (Override required)
014 — PH: Unified HIV Health & Beyond– Support HIV prevention, education, & advocacy
015 — PH: Shelter Association of Washtenaw County/Food Gatherers–Provide compassionate support for individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity
016 — PH: Project Healthy Schools– Present nutrition & healthy choices workshops to youth
017 — PH: Hope Clinic– Participate in project-based work to support medical, dental, mental health, food, and other public health programs for local residents (Override required)
021 — PH: Alternatives for Girls–Serve as an afterschool program assistant for girls who are at risk of early pregnancy, substance abuse, or school truancy
Criminal Justice (Counts for the LJSC Subplan & Minor)
018 — CJ: Gus Harrison Prison (Men)– Plan and co-lead creative writing workshops (override required)
019 — CJ: Washtenaw County Jail (Men &Women)– Plan and co-lead creative writing workshops (override required)
020 — CJ: Washtenaw County Jail (Men &Women)– Plan and co-lead art workshops (override required)
For more information, visit the Project Community website or email pcinfo@umich.edu
Course Requirements:
Students enrolled in SOC 225 are responsible for regular attendance in the weekly lecture and discussion sections, as well as consistent participation at the designated community service site. Students will be asked to complete weekly readings and reflective journal assignments, along with midterm and final papers.
Class Format:
Time in class is interactive, and is focused on creating dialogue and discussion about related sociological issues. Students engage in approximately 3-4 hours (time varies by site) of service in community settings each week. By engaging in ongoing reflection and active learning, students assess personal values, come to better understand themselves, and grow in social responsibility. Students are primarily involved with individuals in the community who experience social inequalities.