To earn the minor and certificate in Poverty Studies, students must complete the required courses and indicated internship hours indicated below.
Required Courses (15 semester credit hours)
Introduction to Poverty Studies, 3 hours (Fall term)
Likely a multi-disciplinary course team-taught by 3-5 instructors, this introductory course will consider poverty from various disciplinary perspectives, such as sociology, economics, law, politics, history, gender studies, religious studies, social work, and education.
Poverty Reduction Strategies, 3 hours (Spring term)
In response to the incidence of poverty, both in urban and rural areas, this course equips students with analytical tools that aid in the planning, design, and implementation of anti-poverty strategies. Macro and micro approaches include policy making, continua of care, community collaboration, neighborhood revitalization, and individual counseling and prevention tactics.
Field Internship, 6 hours (Summer terms)
A service-learning, intensive placement for eight weeks with agencies that help disadvantaged communities and persons. Organized by the Shepherd Program. Each student will keep a journal, participate in periodic reflection activities, and complete other assignments.
Seminar in Poverty Studies, 3 hours (Fall term)
The capstone course is designed to challenge students to propose, research, and write a major paper on poverty and its reduction. Topics may derive from any relevant discipline, but should be selected in consultation with a participating instructor who will serve as a preceptor. Students will make an oral presentation of the paper.
Elective Course, 3 hours (Fall or Spring terms)
Students choose a relevant course from any of the disciplines included in the program with the permission of the academic adviser.
