Community Connections is a program that offers high-impact learning experiences to Beloit students across disciplines by bringing the college and community together to advance community-based learning and civic engagement.
In addition to facilitating volunteer opportunities and other community-facing initiatives, Community Connections partners with community stakeholders to develop community-based learning opportunities in the curriculum itself.
Spring 2024 opportunities
Faculty in several departments will offer courses with significant community-based learning components embedded in the course design:
Impact Beloit Community and Civic Engagement (1). In this course, students deepen their understanding and role in the community by working with local organizations and businesses that serve the city of Beloit. Students will also learn about different approaches to community development and social change by examining strengths and assets of non-profit, for-profit, government, and grassroots institutions. This is a community-based learning course, integrating fieldwork and reflection. Each student is assigned a placement with a community partner where they are supervised by experienced community leaders and assist in supporting the mission of the institution. Students spend approximately seven hours a week (90 hours a semester) at their placement. Students reflect on their experiences at their site placements and the role of individuals and institutions in communities through supporting readings, materials, and activities used during weekly class periods. Applications can be found at https://forms.gle/gjCWkBvD7ygpUFAaA. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. Students must apply and provide references to be admitted into this course.
This community-engaged course is an introduction to studying queer theory and LGBTQ+ identities and histories, with a special focus on the United States in the 20th and 21st century. We will explore this topic through discussions of readings of queer history and theory and screenings of LGBTQ+ films. To better situate ourselves in living LGBTQ+ communities, this course will also divide students into three teams placed in local organizations to develop mutually beneficial projects: (1) a team that will work with Beloit Family Services to develop LGBTQ+ advocacy programs for Rock County; (2) a team that will work with the Beloit International Film Festival to curate a series of LGBTQ+ films for the public; and (3) a team that will work with the Beloit Historical Society to collect oral histories of local LGBTQ+ residents.
This course examines the physical, social, and cognitive changes that occur between conception and older adulthood. A wide range of issues will be addressed, such as the contributions of genetics and the environment, gender differences, family and interpersonal relations, career development, retirement, and death. Includes at least 15 hours of field experience. (3B) Offered each year. Prerequisite: Psychology 100.
Time: TR 10:10-11:25am in SC 249
One of the college’s original community-based learning courses, the Duffy Community Partnerships Seminar (Sociology 285), will return in Fall 2024.
In Prof. Sylvia Lopez’s Intro to Latinx Studies (SPAN 270), a Community Connections course, students have the opportunity to volunteer with local organizations to connect with Beloit’s Latinx and Spanish-speaking members.
Are you a member of the Beloit community with questions about other Community Connections opportunities? Contact Impact Beloit staff to explore the possibilities.
