DSOC 4010 - Community Food Systems Minor Practicum Orientation

Spring. 1 credit. Letter grades only.

Permission of instructor required. Enrollment limited to: students who have been accepted to participate in the CFS Minor Practicum experience in the summer immediately following the semester during which it is held.

R. Bezner Kerr, H. Mouillesseaux-Kunzman.

The Community Food Systems Minor Practicum provides students with opportunities to (1) partner with and learn from individuals directly involved in developing sustainable community food systems; and (2) under the supervision of these individuals and campus-based faculty and staff, contribute to these initiatives in meaningful ways. The Community Food Systems Engagement Preparation & Readiness course prepares students for their practicum experience, with the goals of helping to maximize this unique engaged learning opportunity for both the student and their community-based host organization.

Outcome 1: The Community Food Systems Minor Practicum provides students with opportunities to (1) partner with and learn from individuals directly involved in developing sustainable community food systems; and (2) under the supervision of these individuals and campus-based faculty and staff, contribute to these initiatives in meaningful ways. The Community Food Systems Engagement Preparation & Readiness course prepares students for their practicum experience, with the goals of helping to maximize this unique engaged learning opportunity for both the student and their community-based host organization.

Outcome 2: Describe the community in which his/her host organization is based, including socio-economic demographic characteristics, history, culture, and current challenges & opportunities.

Outcome 3: Thoughtfully conceptually engage with important dimensions of sustainable community food systems (social justice, race, poverty, personal, community and ecological health, power) and consider how s/he may experience and contribute to those dimensions during the practicum experience.

Outcome 4: Fully explain logistical aspects and requirements of the practicum experience, e.g.: housing, transportation, safety protocol, communication venues, etc.

Outcome 5: Explain the purpose and key elements of field notes as a research methodology and write field notes that incorporate each of these elements.

Outcome 6: Articulate the elements and learning value of critical reflection skills and demonstrate these skills in personal journals and group discussions.