International Service Learning in Cebu
EXPL 499/599, Section B001, 3 Credit Hours
Black Hills State University
Course Syllabus – Spring 2016
Meets: Thursdays, 7:00-10:00 p.m. in Jonas Academic 110
Census Date: Last Day to Add/Drop Course without transcript entry – January 20, 2016
Last Day to Drop Course with an automatic “W” – April 5, 2016
CAAP (Proficiency Exam) Testing – March 17 - March 31, 2016
*This is a graduation requirement for all students – NO
EXCEPTIONS.* IDEA Surveys administered – April 11 - April 15, 2016
Instructor: Gina Gibson
Office: 326 Meier Hall
Office Hours: Thursdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (and by appointment)
Office Phone: 605.642.6007
Email: gina.gibson@bhsu.edu (best way to contact me).
Course Description:
In our diverse world, it is important to understand multiple viewpoints and be able to
communicate with others. The goal of this course is to (a) familiarize participants with service
learning, (b) to explore varying perceptions of communication, specifically focusing on youth
perspectives in an international context, (c) understand how members of different cultures
communicate and the importance of intercultural communication, and (d) learn how to develop
effective and culturally-appropriate communication programming and materials (especially a
group and an individual communication education program). In particular, the class will
research a topic (from a list suggested by community members onsite), research and design an
educational program on this topic, and lead this program (in partnership with community hosts)
onsite. In addition, this course will examine the role of interdisciplinary work teams.
Course Prerequisites:
None
Instructional Methods:
The course is designed as a seminar. Thus during course meetings, we will discuss the assigned
readings and related issues. Our discussions will include both theoretical information and
analysis. All participants are expected to read materials prior to class and actively participate in
course discussions.
Further, many of our course meetings or facets of them will be devoted to presenting and
critiquing ideas and materials for the communication program that the class will develop. The
class relies on everyone’s participation to ensure we are prepared for the onsite service. In
short, participation relies on attendance and active engagement with the materials.
Course Requirements:
Required Texts:
Cress, C. M., Collier, P. J., & Reitenauer, V. L. (2013). Learning through serving: A student
guidebook for service-learning and civic engagement across academic disciplines and
cultural communities (2nd ed.). Sterling, VA: Stylus.
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Attendance Policy:
Cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty run contrary to the purpose of higher education
and will not be tolerated in this course. Academic dishonesty includes (but is not limited to)
plagiarism, copying answers or work done by another student (either on an exam or on out-ofclass assignments), allowing another student to copy from you, and using unauthorized materials
during an exam. Academic dishonesty is a serious offense and could result in failure on an
assignment or course. To the extent possible, all incidents will be resolved in discussions
between the student and faculty member. As necessary, the chair and then the dean may become
involved to resolve the issue. If academic dishonesty is established, a report describing the
incident and its resolution will be filed in the offices of the dean and provost. In cases where a
satisfactory outcome is not achieved through this process, students may appeal to the
University’s Academic Appeals Committee.
Formal procedures for filing a complaint for academic misconduct are in the Student Conduct
Code in the Student Handbook. Cheating and plagiarism are defined in Section 2, Part B,
1. Disciplinary sanctions are outlined in Section 3, Judicial Policies.
Make-up Policy:
The instructor reserves the right to decide if missed coursework can be made-up. Missed
coursework and requests for late submissions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Course Goals/Student Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the course, each student is expected to:
1. Define service learning.
2. Describe varying approaches to service learning.
3. Discuss the role of service in education and social change.
4. Describe important influences on intercultural communication.
5. Explain methods of adapting communication internationally and interculturally.
6. Develop a communication education program for youth and/or adults.
7. Assess and tailor such programming.
8. Communicate in interdisciplinary teams to enhance the success of interdisciplinary
efforts.
9. Understand the challenges of working in international settings and develop plans to
address or overcome such challenges.
Evaluation Procedures of Learning Outcomes:
Assessment:
25% Participation, includes classes, organizational chart, ISLP orientations, onsite work,
and group member evaluations
8% Journal Reflections
40% Group Product/Program(s), including ancillary programming/materials
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20% Individual Assignments/Products
7% Group Product Compilation (records)
Grading Scale:
A = 90%-100%, B = 80%-89%, C – 70%-79%, D = 60%-69%, F = 59% and Below
The class is largely based on discussions and work contributions of the students. We are creating
a community of learning. To facilitate learning, it is important to come to class prepared and
ready to contribute. Therefore, your presence is necessary for class. In addition, your
contributions to the class will increase the understanding and retention of the class material for
you and your classmates and will improve our work onsite. You also are expected to participate
fully in the ISLP orientations as well as the work and meetings onsite. [Note: ISLP orientation
meetings address three main topic areas: 1. program policies and procedures, health
considerations, and travel/logistics information, 2. cultural awareness and adaptation (e.g.,
history, politics, and culture of the region we’ll be visiting), and 3. interdisciplinary training and
program refinement.]
Journal Reflections:
Throughout the semester as well as onsite, we will ask you to reflect in several ways
(e.g., with the full ISLP team, in small groups, and in writing). Reflection is a key component in
service learning and extends the outcomes of the work (i.e., deepens the learning from the
experience). Throughout the semester, we will ask you to write 2-3 paragraphs about the
readings, our class discussions, or your preparation for the service work. Sometimes, we will
specify a topic area and on other occasions we will ask you to identify a topic of particular
interest to you.
Group Product/Program(s):
Our main goal as a class will be developing a communication education program (e.g.,
HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, the power of positive communication, leadership) that we
will lead onsite. This program will be carefully researched and constructed. Beyond lesson
plans, you will need to design any additional components that you plan to use (e.g., student
workbooks, handouts, educational activity materials). In addition to materials for students, you 3
also will design materials for teachers, so that they can implement this programming in other
classrooms.
ADA Statement:
“Reasonable accommodations, as arranged through the Disabilities Services Coordinator, will be
provided students with documented disabilities. Contact the BHSU Disabilities Services
Coordinator, Jennifer Lucero, at 605-642-6099 (Woodburn 134), fax number 605-642-6095, or via
email at Jennifer.Lucero@bhsu.edu for more information. Additional information can also be
found at:
http://www.bhsu.edu/StudentLife/Learning/DisabilityServices/tabid/162/Default.aspx”
Freedom in Learning:
“Under Board of Regents and University policy student academic performance may be evaluated
solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic
standards. Students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any
course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for
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learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled. Students who believe that
an academic evaluation reflects prejudiced or capricious consideration of student opinions or
conduct unrelated to academic standards should contact the chair of the department in which the
course is being taught to initiate a review of the evaluation.”
Tentative Course Outline:
This is a unique course. Students must attend class in addition to the full trip and all orientation sessions.
Orientation sessions scheduled for February 4, 11, 18, 25. Estimated dates for the trip are March 3-14,
2016* (BHSU Spring Break). After our trip we will continue to meet for a time of reflection and
wrap-up.
University Honors:
For University Honors Students: Successful completion of this course, the service-learning trip,
and an Honors-level research project will count toward the program’s colloquia requirements.
This course also meets the requirements for the International University Scholar transcript
designation for students who graduate from the University Honors program. The Honors-level
research project will entail a 13-15-page MLA proposal essay on a topic related to this class
and/or the service-learning experience. It should present a problem/issue and work to provide a
plausible solution using a minimum of 8 scholarly sources as support. It may incorporate personal
experience from the trip.
Special Note (from the BHSU International Service Learning
Program Webpage):
The International Service Learning Program provides experiential education opportunities for students to
address human and community needs. This new BHSU program presents a unique opportunity for
students to experience structured international opportunities intentionally designed to promote student
learning and development. The program provides an engaging classroom environment with a cohort of
interdisciplinary students and key faculty member. Throughout the semester the group will work on a
project, culture and preparation before traveling abroad with their faculty-led group. This program
provides an integrated opportunity for students to engage with various cultures which prepare them as
global citizens.
Location: Cebu is one of the provinces of the Philippines. It is located to the east of Negros Island and to
the west of Leyte and Bohol Islands in an area known as the Visayas. It is located on both sides by the
straits of Bohol (between Cebu and Bohol), and Tañon (between Cebu and Negros). Students will travel
to Cebu City as members of a multidisciplinary academic team. Participants will work with students in
local schools on topics selected by local leaders. Topics could include anti-bullying strategies, critical
thinking, and water purification. The trip will include activities designed to expose students to local
culture and history. Check out the Philippines Tourism website
Application/Registration: The International Service Learning Program is an interdisciplinary program,
open to all students from all majors. In addition to the program fee listed below (does not include tuition),
students are required to maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, be in good academic standing with the University,
enroll in a discipline-specific (3 credit hour) academic course and attend weekly pre-departure orientation
sessions. Participants are required to enroll in the course associated with their academic program and pay
the appropriate program fee. Additionally, all participants must attend a weekly orientation workshop.
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Required Paperwork: In order to travel abroad, students must hold passports that will be valid for at
least six months AFTER the end of their International Service Learning Program trip. For information on
how to apply for a passport, the requirements, the costs, and the estimated processing times, please visit
the U.S. Department of State passport website. Students need a passport by the first week of class.
Cost: In addition to three course credit hours, a fee of $3500 is applied to the student BHSU tuition bill.
All flights, transportation, shared accommodations, meals, travel insurance and relevant activities are
included in the course fee. Financial Aid is available for US Citizens who qualify. Please contact the
Financial Aid Office prior to applying to learn about financial resources that may be available. Please
note that the class fees are posted on student accounts upon your acceptance to the program. The required
course can be filled with EXPL-499 B001 or course equivalent (inquire with course professor for other
options). Passport, souvenirs and additional spending money is not included.
Dates: March 3-14, 2016* estimated dates (BHSU Spring Break). Students must attend class in addition
to the full trip and all orientation sessions.
Team Leaders: President, Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr./Dr. Lois Flagstad
Faculty Lead: Gina Gibson, MFA, Mass Communications
Team Logistics: Dr. Katherine Wildman
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