Service Learning Project

The aim of this Service Learning Project (SLP) is for you to sociologically examine the influence of institutions on our local community via various organizations. You will utilize an applied approach, meaning hands on. Your job is to “do” sociology by taking themes/theories from our Social Psychology class and connecting them to your SLP site. Then, using your sociological imagination you will critically analyze what personal troubles have been transformed into public issues (Mills). In summary, this semester you will apply various perspectives from our text and classroom discussions to the hands-on approach of being actively involved in lifting up your community. By mid-semester you will easily recognize various social factors and institutions that contribute to maintaining- or evolving, current ideologies surrounding the social psychology (conformity, persuasion, social cognition, human aggression, prejudice, etc). As well as, identify the structural or systematic way these ideologies have been created and maintained. Answer the question, what is the social justice issue here? Your SL site was likely created to address a specific need within the community. Once a social problem is identified- there is a need for solutions. Although well intended, many solutions fall short of goals, and many fail. By completing this SLP you will be able to identify what social problems are being addressed in your community. And more specifically, particular instances of social psychology impacting our social world. This project requires 16-hours of service learning. After selecting a site, and completing your hours you will share the work you did in a detailed sociological analysis. Present your findings in the form of a research summary and oral presentation, or a full research paper.