Community-based learning is a way for students to actively connect their academic work with direct experience in the community. Students learn about the workings of community, encounter differences related to race, class and privilege, gain a deeper understanding about social justice, and are able to do work that is beneficial to others. Community-based learning emphasizes academic rigor, reflection, and developing ongoing community partnerships. All academic disciplines and divisions (humanities, social sciences, sciences and the arts) can integrate community-based learning practices.
Community-based learning is part of a growing number of psychology courses. Community partners include schools and organizations in Baltimore City and Baltimore County.
CBL 115 - Gateway to Service (2 Cr.)
This course will introduce students to the philosophy, theory, and best practices of academically-based community engagement. Through readings from a wide range of disciplines, students will reflect their role as thoughtful and engaged members of a community, and investigate assumptions about race, class and privilege. In investigating the various meanings of leadership, students learn how to develop beneficial, sustainable community collaborations. Topics include the nature and meaning of leadership, building capacity for change, gaining a greater understanding of community challenges, asset mapping, ethics of leadership, perspectives on learning development, and building collaborative community partnerships. This course includes a community-based component.
Graded pass/no pass. Fall, spring.
CBL 299 - Independent Work (1.5 Cr.)
Building on community-based learning experiences in other courses, the independent study is designed to give students the chance to further explore working in the community. The student will be supervised by a faculty member, and will coordinate efforts through the Office of Community-Based Learning.
May not be repeated for credit. Graded pass/no pass.
PSY 245 - Psychology of Environmental Problems (4 Cr.)
(cross-listed as ES 245) (LER-ENV)(GCR-ENV)
This course outlines current environmental problems and their historical bases. The course then explores how different psychological perspectives view the relationship between individuals and the environment, as well as reviews psychological research related to environmental sustainability. Guidance is provided for improving environmental sustainability based on the different psychological perspectives. A major goal of this course is for students to develop an understanding of how psychology can contribute to promoting sustainability of the environment. A community-based learning experience is required.
Prerequisite: ES 140 or PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive). Fall semester. Mills.
PSY 312 - Existential and Humanistic Psychology (4 Cr.)
(Formerly PSY 212)
Major theories of existential and humanistic psychology are covered, including consideration of the work of May, Laing, Frankl, Fromm, Rogers, and Maslow. Themes of human freedom, love, peak experiences, and optimal development will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: PSY 105 or PSY 111 (inactive). Fall semester. Patrick.
For more information on Community-Based Learning in psychology and in other departments
at Goucher College, contact Michael Curry, Interim Director of Community-Based Learning
at michael.curry@d809.com, 410.337.6275 or visit the website at: