Service-Learning Within Applied
Ethics Courses
Gary Levvis, Ph.D.
Philosophy Department/Service Learning Fellow
University of Connecticut
Definition of Service Learning
 A method of instruction that involves the coordination of service to the
community with one’s course content and objectives. The three
essential components are:
 Meaningful activities that are well-prepared by the instructor and
community partner such that the partner understands and facilitates the
course goals;
 The service or community engagement activity;
 Course content related reflection pertaining to the service activity.
Alternative Names
 Service Learning
 Experiential Learning
 Community Engagement
Distinguish from:
 Volunteerism
 Advocacy of teacher’s ‘causes’
Research Indicates:
SL is claimed to have positive effect on:
• Student personal development
 Sense of personal efficacy
 Personal identity
 Moral growth
 Spiritual development
• Interpersonal Development
• Ability to work well with others
• Leadership
• Communication Skills
Research Indicates:
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Reduces Stereotypes and facilitates cultural and racial understanding.
Positive effect on sense of social responsibility and citizenship skills.
Improves students ability to apply abstract concepts to real world situations.
Improves complexity of understanding, problem analysis, critical thinking,
cognitive development.
Positive effect on student’s career development.
Eyler (et. all.), “At a Glance: What We Know about the Effects of Servicce
Learning on College Students, Institutions, and Communities 1993 - 2000
(Corp for National Service, 2001).
SL Goals for Ethics Courses
 To provide a context for applying as well as critiquing
normative ethical theories (e.g., Libertarianism, Egalitarianism,
etc.) and methodologies (cost-benefit analyses, contractualism,
etc.).
 To demonstrate the relevance of ethical theories and
methodologies to contemporary social/ethical problems.
 To expose students to the deeper complexity of contemporary
moral issues: the interplay between ethical theory and public
policy/law, problems with implementation and enforcement, the
‘meta-ethics’ of resolving conflicting public policy objectives,
etc.
 To motivate and empower students to apply the theoretical
knowledge and critical thinking skills acquired in philosophy to
their lives and the moral issues they deem important.
Presentation Outline
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A. Course Design
B. Course Preparation and Management
C. Course Assessment
D. Group Discussion of Possible SL Topics
and Projects
A. Course Design
 1. Conflict-based or problem-based?
 2. Developing the reflection component.
 3. Topics & Activities.
A. Course Design:
(1) Conflict-based or Problembased?
[a]. Conflict-Based
Example. “Is Abortion Morally Permissible?”
Starting Point: A question about the permissibility of an
action.
Method: Proceed toward more abstract philosophical
disagreements over the possible rights of the fetus,
personhood, comparative rights of fetus and mother.
Result: Students exit the course believing philosophical
‘solutions’ require ever more abstract reasoning and
professional expertise.
Two weeks and out!
A. Course Design: (1) Conflictbased or Problem-based?
[b]. Problem-Based.
Example: Sex Trafficking (Genocide, Domestic
Violence…) is wrong.”
Starting point: Thesis upon which all students
agree.
Method: Proceed toward concrete solutions to the
problem; policy recommendations.
“How ought we remedy/resolve/lessen the
problem?”
A. Course Design (1) Conflictbased or Problem-based?
How are normative and meta-ethical theory
introduced?
[a] Conflict-based:
• Normative and meta-ethical theories are introduced as higherlevel disputes BUT once a correct theory is settled upon,
DEDUCE solutions at the applied ethical level.
• Emphasis given to different (empiricist, rationalist) forms of
theoretical justification.
• Practical ethical dispute --> normative theoretical dispute -->
meta-ethical dispute.
• Major student outcome: “There are no real philosophical
answers!” OR “I need to keep climbing the ladder to find a
solution.”
A. Course Design: (1) Conflictbased or Problem-based?
How are normative and meta-ethical theory
introduced?
[b] Problem-Based.
• Normative ethical theories are:
• Introduced as frameworks for:
o DESCRIBING the moral problem
o PRESCRIBING social policy
• Tested in lieu of experience with community partner
• Their justification is discussed within the context of student
disagreements over the methods and content of policy formation.
Meta-ethical epistemology appears in this context.
A. Course Design: (1) Conflictbased or Problem-based?
How are normative and meta-ethical theory
introduced?
[b] Problem-Based.
• Students are provided an overview of different
theoretical frameworks w/emphasis on principles and
procedures rather than underlying justification.
• Students give a DESCRIPTION of the moral problem
using whatever framework they tend to favor (reveals
students’ basic moral assumptions)
• Students develop a set of PRESCRIPTIONS regarding
how to remedy some element of the problem.
• Students offer REVISIONS based on experience with
community partner.
A. Course Design: (1) Conflictbased or Problem-based?
[b] Problem-based:
Example: Human (Sex/Labor) Trafficking.
1. Students receive information about human
trafficking: causes, extent, effects on victims,
laws and policies.
2. Overview of ethical theories
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Virtue Theories
Theories of Right Conduct
Rights (Harms)Theories
Justice Theories
A. Course Design: (1) Conflictbased or Problem-based?
[b] Problem-based:
Example: Human (Sex/Labor) Trafficking.
3. Generate list of ethical issues.
(i) Virtue: Possible implications for programmatic features of treatment
facility? (Minor emphasis.)
(ii) Right Conduct: Who is responsible for the wrongdoing?
Pimps/traffickers
Johns
Corrupt officials
Parents
Businesses/consumers
Media
A. Course Design: (1) Conflict-based
or Problem-based?
[b] Problem-based:
Example: Human (Sex/Labor) Trafficking.
3. Generate list of ethical issues.
(iii) Rights/Harms
What rights of the victim are being violated/what
harms created?
Life, liberty property
psychological integrity
reproductive freedom
sexual freedom
capacity for intimacy, trust
(iv) Justice:
Distributive Justice Question: Who pays for victims services?
Libertarian (charity)
Egalitarian (government programs)
Utilitarian (balance costeffectiveness/prioritizevictims’ needs)
A. Course Design: (1) Conflict-based or Problem-based?
[b] Problem-based:
Example: Human (Sex/Labor) Trafficking.
3.
Generate list of ethical issues.
(iv) Justice:
Retributive Justice Questions:
Are existing laws/treaties adequate?
Are sentencing guidelines adequate?
Is there a role for restorative justice or therapeutic
jurisprudence?
A. Course Design: (1) Conflictbased or Problem-based?
[b] Problem-based:
Example: Human (Sex/Labor) Trafficking.
4. Students Apply Chosen Moral Framework to
Specific Question:
1.
E.g., To what sorts of health-related services (if any) are
victims entitled, and how should these services be paid for?
A. Rights-based/Libertarian
B. Rights-based/Egalitarian
C. Rights-Based/Nussbaum
D. Utilitarian/Prioritize Harms, Assess Costs
12-bed facility@$220,000 per year X # of victims.
A. Course Design: (1) Conflictbased or Problem-based?
[b] Problem-based:
Example: Human (Sex/Labor) Trafficking.
5. Students propose/prescribe policy initiatives.
E.g., Distributive Justice Question re financing care facilities: “Let
private organizations dependent upon charitable donations provide care
for survivors. Oversight on quality of care will be provided by state
officials.
6. Students work with community partner.
Students encounter the pros and cons of utilizing charitable donations to
fund programs for survivors and the pros and cons of relying upon state
standards and agencies for oversight.
A. Course Design: (1) Conflict-based or Problem-based?
[b] Problem-based:
Example: Human (Sex/Labor) Trafficking.
7. Students reflect on proposals and
underlying theoretical assumptions.
“Given the extent of the problem, the cost of treatment, and the
difficulty our community partner had in receiving funding,
the basic rights to life, liberty and property require additional protections:
in terms of prevention and prosecution, consistent federal oversight, and
through the availabilty of grant funding for private organizations.”
A. Course Design (2): The
Reflection Assignment
 Distinguishes service learning from
volunteerism;
 Integrates service with course content and
objectives.
A. Course Design (2): The
Reflection Assignment
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Types of Assignments:
I. 3-Part Project Paper
a. Normative Description of Moral
Problem;
b. Prescription/Critique of Status Quo
c. Revision of Prescriptions after
community engagement.
A. Course Design (2): The
Reflection Assignment
 Types of Assignments:
II. Other.
a. Journal; Weekly writing assignment
applying course readings.
b. Capstone projects.
c. Oral presentations to schools, businesses,
hospitals, community leaders, legislators.
A. Course Design (2): The
Reflection Assignment
Core Elements of Reflection:
a. Simple --> Complex Analysis of Problems.
(Expose Stereotypes)
b. Increase in empathetic understanding of
community’s needs
c. Knowledge of the difficulties pertaining to
resolving the problem
a + b + c --> opportunity for student to reflect on
his/her moral assumptions.
A. Course Design (3)
Topics & Activities
 Constrained only by the topics you are interested
in teaching & the needs of your community.
 CREP Projects Initiated in Philosophy Courses &
Extended to Other Departments:
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Domestic sex trafficking
Labor Trafficking/Make UCONN Slave-Free
Homelessness/Foster Care for LGBTQ Youth
Children’s Rights/Children’s Rights Education
A. Course Design (3)
Topics & Activities
Domestic Sex Trafficking (Moral Issues; Health Care Ethics; Phil & Gender)
 Partners: Ahava Kids; CTCAT: Int’l Institute of CR, Paul & Lisa Project, Love 146, CT
Dept. of Children & Families.
 Activities: Police Chief interviews; Safe Harbor Bill Info & Rescue Kits; Cybervention;
Hospital Training Seminar; Statistical Research; Website Design Public Service
Announcements; Fund raising*.
Child Labor/Slavery (Moral Issues)
•
Partner: Free the Slaves.
• Activities: Make UCONN Slave Free (Follow the supply line)
Foster Care for LGBTQ Youth (Philosophy and Gender)
• Partner: American Bar Association, True Colors
• Activities: Interview Judges and lawyers, provide info about ABA Opening Doors Project;
interview LGBTQ adults formerly involved in foster care, assemble autobiographies for ABA.
A. Course Design (3)
Topics & Activities
Children’s Rights and Children’s Rights Education (Phil Issues in Human Rights,
under development; offered to Political Science.)
• Partner: CT Consortium for Citizenship and Legal Education.
 Activities: Coach middle school mock trial and debate.
A. Course Design (3)
Topics & Activities
Hybrid Project: The Service/Research Project
CREP Service - Research Projects:
• Interviews of Police Chiefs: “How can trust be built between law
enforcement and NGOs providing victim services?”
•Interviews of NGO Victims Service Providers: “Provide detailed
descriptions of your services, staff, and references.”
•Interviews with ER Nurses: “How well can you identify trafficking
victims and respond to their needs?”
•Interviews with Judges re Foster Care Placement of LGBTQ Youth.
•Interviews with LGBTQ youth who have “aged out” of
the Foster Care Program.
Information provided to state agencies and watchdog organizations.
A. Course Design (3)
Topics & Activities
Other Possible Ethical Topics/Social
Problems to be discussed during workshop:
Hunger, Poverty, homelessness
Abortion, pregnancy
Refugee/Asylum issues
Environmental ethics
Business/professional ethics
Health Care ethics
A. Course Design (3)
Topics & Activities
 Number of Topics/Issues Per Course?
SL will leave less time to cover a multitude of
topics.
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Philosophy & Gender: Theory, Sex Trafficking/Prostitution, Domestic
Violence, LGBTQ Discrimination.
Phil & Social Ethics: Theory, Human Trafficking, Genocide, Asylum/Refugee
Issues, Women’s Inequality.
Health Care Ethics: Health Care of Trafficking Victims, Adolescent DecisionMaking, Confidentiality & Truth-Telling, Mandatory HPV Vaccinations for
Teens, Abortion, Mother’s Responsibility for Risks to Fetus, HC ethics during
disaster relief, HC ethics during war.
B. Course Preparation and
Management
 DO begin preparing 4-6 months prior to the
semester.
 Select your community partner(s) prior to the semester,
begin to plan projects.
 If you are working hospitals, schools or clinics, you
may need their Institutional Review Board approval.
 Your institution may require IRB approval and student
liability forms.
B. Course Preparation and
Management
 DO investigate any charitable organization
prior to establishing contact with it!
 Examine the claims on their website concerning
services (when was website last updated?).
Locate their budget.
 Guidestar.com (IRS Forms)
 Your state Attorney General’s Charities
Division.
B. Course Preparation and
Management
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DO clarify expectations for both students and partners! Provide:
Student-Community Partner Contract
Partner --> Student Evaluation Form
Student --> Partner Evaluation Form
Student SL Course Evaluation Form
Specification of requirements in syllabus
Pre-semester contact with students
B. Course Preparation and
Management
 Do keep records of all communications.
 Students must provide hard copies of all emails
and letters.
Students should keep log of all telephone
communications and meetings.
Updating weekly forces students to keep to any
project schedule.
B. Course Preparation and
Management
 Do stay on schedule! Hit the ground
running.
 Have partners meet with students at earliest
opportunity (classroom visit)
Give students deadlines; expect reports;
make this part of their grade.
Expect delays from partners; be firm yet
diplomatic.
B. Course Preparation and
Management
 Do delegate authority (or prepare to go
nuts).
Consider using student mentors.
B. Course Preparation and
Management
 DO stress professionalism.
Your reputation
Your institution’s reputation
Your community partner’s reputation
IS ON THE LINE.
B. Course Preparation and
Management
 A bit more on professionalism:
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Proper attire
Proper speech
Proper Voicemail
Punctuality
Prompt reply to emails/voicemails
 Email/voicemail checks
B. Course Preparation and
Management
 DO NOT assume student expertise!
Whether it’s writing a business letter, swinging a
hammer, or tying a tie, DON’T assume they
know how to do it. (Don’t loan your chain saw
to a student.)
B. Course Preparation and
Management
• DO monitor and clarify students’ roles for
community partner.
Fundraising.
Although a traditional aspect of SL, check university policy on the
handling of funds.
Restrictions on Time/Mobility.
Partners must not have unreasonable expectations. 20 hours is
sufficient.
B. Course Preparation and
Management
 Adapt projects for special needs students
 On-line activities (website design, statistical
analysis, etc.)
 On-campus activities (skits, etc.)
C. Course Assessment
 Prepare special SL course evaluation and
distribute it to students at beginning of the
semester.
 Or use specialized Office of Service
Learning evaluation form (Uconn).
C. Course Assessment
 SL Evaluations provide the students with a
means to guide future course development.
 Suggest projects and partnerships.
 Assess integration of classroom goals/nonclassroom activities; offer recommendations.
 Assess community partner.
C. Course Assessment
Community Partner/Student Assessment Form
Philosophy & Social Ethics
University of Connecticut
To be completed by community partner
Student’s Name__________________
Agency_________________________
Proposed/Completed Hours____
Task(s) Completed:
Rating System:
1 = Excellent 2 = Good 3 = Fair 4 = Poor 5 = Failing 6 = Does not apply
Using the above scale from 1 to 6, please rate the student on the following:
1. Reports regularly and punctually_____
2. Attends to tasks proposed by/assigned to him/her____
3. Comports himself/herself in a professional manner (attire, grooming, speech)_____
4. Has made an effort to learn about the agency and its clients_____
5. Establishes good rapport with staff, clients, and others_____
6. Is capable of independent work_____
7. Responds positively to criticism_____
8. Handles problem situations well_____
9. Performs tasks with a positive and willing attitude_____
10. Rating of student’s performance overall_____
Additional Comments:
I understand that my comments will be used to aid in grading the student’s performance.
Signature/Date
Student Evaluation Form
Service-Learning Evaluation Form
Philosophy & Social Ethics
University of Connecticut
To be completed by student
In addition to the regular UCONN course evaluation form, please complete this supplemental form pertaining to the service learning aspect of
Philosophy1104. Your comments will be a valuable resource in the development of this course.
Course/Semester: Philosophy 1104/Fall 2008
Name of Professor: G. Levvis
Name of Community Partner: Ahava Kids (Raymond Bechard, Director)
Today’s Date:
Number of Service Hours Provided: _____
Tasks Completed:
I. Using this rating scale, please answer the following:
1 = Very extensively 2 = Extensively 3 = Somewhat 4 = Very Little 5 = None
To what extent has your work with Ahava Kids enabled you to:
1. Learn about the ethical problems/issues associated with human trafficking and exploitation_____
2. Critically reflect on your own values or moral beliefs_____
3. Develop critical skills that will allow you to analyze and assess contemporary social/ethical problems_____
4. Improve your written communication skills_____
5. Improve your oral communication skills_____
6. Improve your problem-solving skills_____
Student Evaluation Form, cont.
Comments on the above:
II. Course Relatedness.
1. What is the most important thing you learned from your service learning experience?
2. How did this service learning experience compare to doing the more traditional library term paper for a course?
3. Did your experiences help you gain a better insight into the philosophical theories of rights and justice with which this course is concerned? Please explain.
4. Do you think that community service/civic engagement is a valuable and appropriate learning component within this course? Please explain.
_____yes
_____no
5. Given your understanding of the cluster of issues surrounding child trafficking and exploitation, and your understanding of the nature of this course and the
Children’s Rights Education Project,
(a) How might the project tasks within Philosophy 1104 be expanded so as to contribute to your educational and career goals?
Student Evaluation Form, cont.
(b) What courses in your major do you feel might benefit from a service-learning component related to the issues with which Philosophy 1104 and
CREP deals?
III. Course Organization.
1. Were the goals of the service-learning component of Philosophy 1104 (i.e., how the course goals would be furthered through service-learning)
adequately explained to you by the professor?
2. Did you receive ample notification and adequate time to complete specific tasks on behalf of Ahava Kids?
3. Was communication between all parties (Professor—Student---Community Partner/Ahava Kids – Other (Police Departments and other officials))
adequate?
4. In regard to the writing assignment, was the 3-phase nature of the assignment (with its specific deadlines and professor feedback) effective in
achieving course goals (including the development of writing skills, critical thinking skills, and knowledge of the ethical issue(s))?
5. Although this course using service-learning as a tool to give you an in-depth look at a cluster of ethical issues surrounding the problem of human
trafficking and exploitation, it is also designed to expose you (though to a lesser degree) to other contemporary moral problems as well as to various
philosophical approaches to justice and rights. Do you think these other components of the course received adequate treatment? Did your
service-learning experiences enhance your ability to critically examine these issues and theories?
Student-Partner Contract
Service-Learning Contract
Philosophy 1104/Ahava Kids
Fall Semester 2008
FOR THE STUDENT:
_____ I have read and understood the syllabus for Philosophy 1104/University of Connecticut/Torrington – Fall Semester 2008.
_____I have reviewed the Ahava Kids website <Ahavakids.org> and understand the nature of its work.
_____I understand that Ahava Kids works with victims, many of whom have undergone traumatic experiences and are at risk for their safety;
therefore I will do my utmost to be sensitive to and protective of their needs and interests.
_____In all activities involving the University of Connecticut and Ahava Kids, I shall conduct myself with the utmost professionalism. This
includes dressing and speaking in a professional manner, arriving early for appointments, and providing 24 hours notice if unable to keep an
appointment.
_____I will actively communicate to my professor and the Director of Ahava Kids any concerns or problems that arise or that I anticipate in the
course of my service.
_____I will keep my contact information updated, and I have activated (and will daily check) my UCONN huskymail account.
_____I will devote hours [6, 12. or 18] to this project.
_____I will keep a record of my service time. (Project Time Record Sheet)
Student-Partner Contract, cont.
_____At the completion of the semester, I will obtain the supervisor’s evaluation of my service. (Supervisor Evaluation Form)
_____At the completion of the semester I will evaluate the service-learning component of this course and the Children’s Rights
Education Project. (Student Evaluation Form) I understand that this Project will evolve over future semesters and that my
input and suggestions are valuable to its growth.
Briefly summarize the activity you shall engage in. Also, please list any special skills, talents and interests that may be of use to
the organization you are assisting.
Student Signature
Date
D. Workshop
Course Title:
SL Topic:
Possible Partner(s):
Activities:
Goals:
Main Assessment Question: