Center for Social Concerns

Lives in the Balance — Youth, Violence, and Society Seminar

CSC 33980 / PSY 23095

Immersion Dates: Sunday, October 18 – Saturday, October 24 (morning)

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Size: 12 students
Cost: $265
Application Deadline: Thursday, August 27, 2009, 11:59 p.m.

Seminar Instructors:
Kim Overdyck, M. A., LL.B
Jay Brandenberger, Ph.D

Seminar Assistant:

Debbie Blasko

Student Coordinators:
Katie Washington

Katie Weber

Jeremy Tamargo

Overview
This seminar examines the world of youth impacted by violence, either as victims or as perpetrators, with a focus on Indiana. This seminar is the result of a partnership between the Center for Social Concerns and the Indianapolis Peace Institute.

The class will meet for three sessions before leaving for Indianapolis. During the week of immersion, you will be residing at the Peace House — the residential component of the Indianapolis Peace Institute in downtown Indianapolis — and visiting with various youth related organizations, government entities and officials, and schools.

Topics you will explore include:

• the juvenile justice system,
• the education system,
• illegal immigration, human trafficking and slavery,
• the impact of violence on the development of youth, and
• the role of irresponsible environmental practices on youth.

Central throughout these topics will be advocacy work that is being done in these areas and what role participants could play in bringing about change. Participants will also be looking at various solutions that are already in place around these issues. Readings and written analyses will augment the direct learning experience.

Course Objectives

• For participants to experience the realities of youth who are exposed to and impacted by violence, from the youth perspective. To also meet the individuals and organizations who are working to bring about change.

• To increase awareness of the magnitude of this problem and it’s impact on generations to come.

• To provide participants with the opportunity to interact with students from different disciplines around an issue in which they have a keen interest - to be exposed to the thoughts of the different disciplines.

• To provide students with the opportunity to reflect upon how their own vocations might include working to bring about change for youth impacted by violence.

Course Requirements

This Seminar is a one-credit course graded "S" or "U". To receive an "S" grade, the following must be completed in a satisfactory manner:

• The participant must attend and participate in all required orientation and follow-up classes. Participants must obtain prior permission for an absence from the staff and student coordinators.
• Read the assigned readings and submit half page reactions to the readings at class.
• Participate in the meetings and activities in Indianapolis – each student will be assigned a day where they will be responsible for leading the meeting/s with the various community organizations.
• Participants are required to write a 5 to 6 page reflection paper as part of the learning experience. Please see paper guidelines for more information (this will be given during one of the orientation sessions).

Application Process

• Online application deadline is Thursday, August 27, 2009, 11:59 p.m.
• By completing the application, you are agreeing to all requirements of the Lives in the Balance — Youth, Violence, and Society Seminar and this Seminar Learning Agreement.

• Saint Mary’s College students are eligible to apply for participation in CSC seminars. As with participation in other Notre Dame classes, you must first fill out the SMC at ND CoExchange Form SMC at ND CoExchange Form (under "CoExchange Information"). This must be done before applying. Fill out the CoExchange Form for spring 2009 now, even if you have taken a class at ND before, are not sure what class you will take, or whether or not you will take one. This form does not commit you to taking a class, but it will establish your Notre Dame Net ID (sent to you in an email), which you will need to log on to the seminar application. It will also give you the date/time to register if you do apply and are accepted.

• All applicants will be notified regarding the seminar selection by email before the first Sunday of the semester. If you are applying to more than one seminar, you will receive a single 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 student in good standing at the University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary's College and Holy Cross College. Students are to conduct themselves according to the policies listed in DU LAC.
• Admittance to the seminar is based on a variety of factors. An open mind, enthusiasm, a willingness to learn from others, and a keen interest in the learning goals of this seminar are the primary criteria for the selection.

Course Registration

• You will receive email notification on a) whether you have been selected to participate in the seminar and b) which seminar you have been selected to participate in (this circumstance applies if you have applied to more than one seminar). Subsequently, the course instructor will email instructions on course registration. Contact the Assistant Dean's office of your College if you are over the maximum number of credit hours allowed by your College. There may be specific dates when your Dean gives special approval; find out what these dates are. You must register by the end of the day September 2.

Fees and Expenses

• The cost of the seminar is $265. This fee will be assessed through Student Accounts. This fee contributes to transportation, housing, site fees, speakers, activities and meals. Personal and entertainment expenses are the responsibility of each student.
• Limited financial aid is available. To apply for financial aid, contact Debbie Blasko prior to the first scheduled class.
• If you are accepted into the seminar, and you decide not to participate in the seminar after September 2, your student account will be billed the full $265.

Withdrawal from the Course

Please notify the Seminar Director as soon as possible if extenuating circumstances prevent your participation in the seminar.

Calendar Fall 2009

Note:  Attendance at all classes is mandatory.