Spanish Service-Learning
Supporting Duke’s mission to enhance the integration of civic engagement into the undergraduate experience, the Spanish Language Program has formed a unique partnership with the Durham community. Through the Spanish Service-Learning Program, Duke faculty and students, along with Durham service agencies and their clients, work together to develop meaningful exchanges while fostering mutual understanding between students and the greater Durham community.
What are the components of Service-Learning? The service is an opportunity for students to support local agencies addressing the needs of the burgeoning Latino population. The learning is a multi-faceted process that takes place in the classroom, the community, and individually through personal reflection. In addition to traditional contact hours in the classroom, twenty hours of service in the community are required to complete a Spanish Service-Learning course.
Students are matched with service projects that are identified by the community partners and designed to enhance services to the Latino population. Community partners benefit from increased support for clients who confront many linguistic and cultural barriers, while clients gain expanded access to resources through the student’s committed participation to the projects. Through the Spanish Service-Learning courses students engage with the community, make meaningful connections between classroom and real world experiences, and build skills to think critically about their observations and research.
The Spanish Language Program currently offers three service-learning courses: SP 106 A Spanish for the Health Professions (RSL course), SP 106 C Issues in Education and Immigration (RSL course), and SP 106 E Latino/a Voices in Duke, Durham, and Beyond, For each of these courses, students spend at least 20 hours in the community providing service connected to the academic content of the course.
Students interested in more information on Spanish Service-Learning should contact the Spanish Service-Learning Coordinator by e-mail or by phone at 919.660.3116.
To read interviews with current and former Spanish Service-Learning students, click here.