Appalachia Seminar Learning Agreement
Course Objectives
- To reflect upon and analyze the social, political, economic, religious and cultural forces operative in Appalachia through class presentations, discussions, and readings.
- To gain an understanding of Catholic Social Teaching through examination of the Appalachian Bishops’ Pastoral At Home in the Web of Life and other readings.
- To study the various forces and values functioning in the lives of the people of Appalachia through direct involvement with local people during the immersion.
- To integrate insights gained during the service experience regarding the Appalachia region and its culture with their own lives through group discussions and a written reflection paper.
Course Requirements
This Seminar is a one-credit Theology course or CSC course (THEO 33950/CSC 33950), graded "Satisfactory" or "Unsatisfactory." To receive an "S" grade, students must complete the following in a satisfactory manner:
- Attend and participate in all required orientation and follow-up classes.
- If you have a conflict due to ROTC, folk choir or lab, feel free to apply, but you will need approval from both instructors to attend 2 out of 3 classes or to make alternative arrangements.
- Do not apply if you cannot commit to attending CSC's evening classes. We do not hold makeup classes.
- Complete all readings and written class assignments.
- Participate in all group activities prior to and during the week in Appalachia.
- Complete all writing assignments
Application Process
- By completing the application you are agreeing to all requirements of this Seminar Learning Agreement and the Appalachia Seminar.
- All applicants are notified regarding seminar selection by email on or before the first Sunday of the semester. If you are applying to more than one seminar, you will receive one email noting whether or not you have been selected to participate, and the name of the seminar you will be taking part in.
Criteria For Selection
- The seminar is open to any undergraduate or graduate student in good standing at the University of Notre Dame or Saint Mary's College. Admittance to the seminar is based on a variety of factors. The primary criterion is expressed interest in the course objectives and aims of the seminar.
- We have a limited number of spots available. Students who submit their application later than others may be placed on a wait list. Preference will be given to upper class students who may have fewer opportunities to participate in the future.
Course Registration
Fees and Expenses
- The cost of the seminar is $290. This fee will be assessed through Student Accounts. Personal expenses are the responsibility of the student. Students will be responsible for their meals while they travel to and from the site. A food allowance of $25 for the week, per participant, will be given to those sites where meals are not provided.
- If you are accepted and decide not to participate, email Mary Juckett.
- If you are accepted and you decide not to participate after February 7, 2012, your student account will be billed the full $290. This is necessary because the Center allocates site payments based on your acceptance to the program.
- Limited financial aid is available. To apply for financial aid, contact Debbie Blasko.
Lodging, Meals and Transportation
- Lodging options vary among the sites. Occasionally students will stay with a family, at a church, or in a location that requires additional travel time between it and the community work site. It is typical that the community agency would provide lodging near the central site. Site contact information can be accessed at the site descriptions web page.
- Most sites provide meals as part of the lodging fee, so students at those sites will not be given any extra money for food for the entire trip. Students must pay for their own meals while they travel from Notre Dame to the site on Sunday and back to Notre Dame from the site on Friday or Saturday. Students must reimburse the Center for Social Concerns for any unauthorized purchases immediately on return.
- Students who receive University Driver's Training drive the site team to the site using 7-passenger mini vans and mid-size cars. Vans are rented through local rental agencies and are regularly serviced.
Withdrawal from the Course
- Please notify the Seminar Director if extenuating circumstances prevent your participation in the seminar.
