SOC 803 International Community Engagement
Winter 2015
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Jean Golden
Calendar description
This course offers the opportunity for students to study and participate in a social justice project in
another country. Under the supervision of a Sociology faculty member, students will learn about
international development, equity and diversity issues. Students will participate in community-defined
projects and engage in community service.
Course Outline description
In winter 2015, SOC 803 will take place in Abaco in the Northern Bahamas, as part of the Bahamas
Project, directed by Professor Jean Golden since 2011, in association with the Every Child Counts (ECC)
School for children with special needs. The course is designed to expose students to a range of issues
particular to the Bahamas as a developing country. Students will contribute to the ECC curriculum and
meet with community leaders to discuss issues and solutions. Students will meet for 3-4 mandatory
classes in January at Ryerson University in advance of the experiential component of the course in the
Bahamas from February 13-23.
Course Objectives
This course is designed to immerse students in an intensive learning experience in a developing country,
through doing and reflection.
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COURSE CONTENT IN BAHAMAS:
1. Every Child Counts School for children with special needs:
 Orientation to ECC School and disability issues in Abaco by ECC principal and teachers
 Observation in ECC classes
 Ryerson students delivered presentations about Canada to 6 ECC classes (different ages and
abilities) over 3 days
 Presentations assessed by Professors Golden and Albanese, with student self-reflection
component; feedback from ECC teachers
 ECC students taught Ryerson students about Abaco
2. Twenty seven Bahamian community leaders and teachers taught Ryerson students
Topics: Globalization; development and underdevelopment; Bahamian socio-economic and political
issues with focus on government structure and processes for an archipelago nation state of 40 occupied
island, including the Constitution and limited democracy; the economy (tourism, agriculture, fishing,
banking); local Abaco business; media and minimal access to information; education; immigration; race
and gender relations; homophobia; religion; environment; additional social issues
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Dr. Keithley Woodward, Director of Gradate Studies, College of the Bahamas
Lamech Johnson , reporter/write national newspaper, the Tribune
Bradley Albury, editor and owner of the Abaconian newspaper
Charles Carey, Minister, Educator and entrepreneur
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Lyn Major Principal of ECC and 4 senior teachers of ECC: Mars Lawley, Mel Maseda and Dr.
Ruth Pitman, Dr. Henry Pitman
Barbara Johnson, Principal of Angel's Academy
Pastor Baillou and Elder Kennedy
Kristen Williams, Executive Director of Friends of the Environment
Mack Altidor, Haitian community leader
Chefs Antonio Huyler and David Thompson, Oasis restaurant
Byan Thompson. Manager CIBC,
Dennis Lightboune. Chamber of Commerce President
John Heddon, Agriculture, with agronomist
Winsome Ferguson, Manager Ministry of Tourism, Government of the Bahamas
Glenda Knowles, town and country planner and tour leader
Gene Ferguson, tourism, local historian
Colin Curry, Junkanoo Master, Legend Circle Award , Government of the Bahamas.
Valerie Dean, Judicial Court Manager
Preston Cunningham, Abaco Administrator
Simone Bowe, gender issues specialist, Horizons Development Group and Nassau radio show
host
Joanne Bradley, community activist
3. Tours:
 Haitian Shanty towns with Haitian community leader
 4 Black Bahamian communities (differing economic levels and history); white wealthy area;
government buildings; local factory, hospital
 Local restaurant for special Bahamian meal and lecture
 Outer cay, with American second home owners dominance
 Junkanoo
4. Grading
Presentation preparation in Toronto and delivery in Abaco
Attendance and Participation
2 short reflective assignments
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