Interdisciplinary ACS

Code Course Description
AIST 3030

Global Citizenship: Interdisciplinary Concepts and Practices

This course provides students with an opportunity to explore the concepts and practices of global citizenship through learning about current and emerging issues related to global health, international aid and development, volunteerism and voluntourism, and sustainability. Students develop their critical thinking, perspective taking, and reflection skills to examine current issues, identify the worldviews of others, and reflect on their own worldviews and cultural experiences. This course allows students to gain cultural awareness and knowledge in the pursuit of becoming global citizens.

AIST 3040

International Service Learning Experience

This course is designed for students who are engaging in an international service learning experience in a developing country. Facilitated seminars address: (1) 5 key themes (motivation, cultural competence, balance and reciprocity, sustainability, and witnessing and observing); (2) the social, cultural, political and economic contexts of the developing country; (3) the development of a student learning plan in collaboration with a local community agency; and (4) the risks and realities of sustained work in a developing country. Students are then placed in a developing country and will work on a community development project alongside a local community partner. Within this context, students will work collaboratively with members of their host organization, develop their understanding of local challenges, and enhance their understanding of small-scale ethical projects. Students will complete pre-placement assignments, in-placement assignments, and participate in a post-placement debrief.
AIST 4500

Applied Interdisciplinary Research: Advanced Approaches

This seminar course is designed for students who wish to extend their research skills and / or participate in applied research or community-based research projects. Graduates of applied health and social services programs, such as Child and Youth Care, Social Work, and Therapeutic Recreation, need to engage in evidence-based practice and be capable of understanding how research evidence can guide their work in community and clinical settings. Increasingly students in applied health and social services programs are interested in attending graduate school. Experience in undergraduate research is an asset to their applications for further study. Community partnerships and reciprocity are central values of applied health and social services programs. This course provides an opportunity for students to engage in applied research through engagement in community-based projects. Research experience is an important employability skill for graduates of applied health and social services programs.