Service-Learning Courses

Service-learning is defined as "a form of experiential education in which students engage in activities that address human and community needs together with structured opportunities intentionally designed to promote student learning and development. Reflection and reciprocity are key concepts of service-learning." Jacoby, Service-Learning in Higher Education, 1996.

One of the primary ways that faculty can assist with the expansion of service-learning at Stanford is to teach a service-learning course. In almost all cases these courses can be treated as a normal part of a faculty member’s teaching load.

Service-learning courses may feature service as an integral component of the academic course experience, may focus on public service as subject matter, or offer preparation for public service internships of fieldwork. Courses may be small, intensive seminars or larger lecture courses with service-learning related discussion sections and experiences. The service provides material to be reflected upon and analyzed by participating students, and it may include traditional, hand-on volunteer activity, internships at local organizations, or class projects of policy-related work.

View service-learning courses on Explore Courses.

The Haas Center aims to support faculty engaged in service-learning through workshops, advising, and funding.