Service Learning
Service-learning is a practical pedagogy that combines community-based service with academic class reflection. Service Learning is deeply connected to LUC’s mission of working to expand knowledge in the service of humanity through learning, justice, and faith.
At LUC (and therefore the Rome Center), Service Learning is one type of Engaged Learning, alongside academic internships, undergraduate research, field work, and public performance. Each one of these Engaged Learning types has different goals, structures, and requirements. Service Learning is connected to specific courses, which are for credit and combine the students’ service with course-related learning goals. This makes Service Learning different than extracurricular community service/volunteering activities.
What does Service Learning look like in Rome?
All undergraduate students at LUC are required to complete at least one Engaged Learning course prior to graduation. Service Learning at the John Felice Rome Center fulfills the LUC Engaged Learning requirement, but the requirement can also be fulfilled with the Internship course or the Ricci Scholars Program offered in Rome. There are currently service learning components in Rome Studies, Italian, Theology and Anthropology courses. These courses require at least 20 hours of service learning and are structured around at least one Service Learning model (or a mix of them).
Additionally, these courses:
- Emphasize the importance of encounter and reciprocity in addressing service.
- Have specific learning goals connected to community service.
- Merge together community and classroom learning with critical reflection, through assignments and projects.
Theo 266
Church and Global Cultures
Students enrolled in the theology service learning course prepared meals for the unhoused at the Vatican homeless shelter as part of their work with the Sant'Egidio Community. The meals were then distributed around St Peter's Square to those in need.
Ital 250
Italian Composition & Conversation II
Every Christmas, Emergency, a humanitarian organization, holds a Christmas market. Students in "Italian Composition & Conversation II" worked at the information booth, translated the written material into English and helped to organize some of the events.
Rost 382
Human Rights: The View from Rome
The "Hear My Voice" art exhibition featured the work of migrants and refugees in Calabria and Sicily, exploring the reality of exploitation and the hope of freedom. The students from the course helped to launch this initiative on campus.
Theo 266
Church and Global Cultures
This theology class invited the Faith and Light community members with and without intellectual disabilities to participate in the annual olive harvest on campus. Beforehand, the students listened to the community's account of their recent meeting with Pope Francis.
Further questions?
Please contact Dr. Luca Badetti, Service Learning and First Year Experience Coordinator: lbadetti@luc.edu
Service-learning is a practical pedagogy that combines community-based service with academic class reflection. Service Learning is deeply connected to LUC’s mission of working to expand knowledge in the service of humanity through learning, justice, and faith.
At LUC (and therefore the Rome Center), Service Learning is one type of Engaged Learning, alongside academic internships, undergraduate research, field work, and public performance. Each one of these Engaged Learning types has different goals, structures, and requirements. Service Learning is connected to specific courses, which are for credit and combine the students’ service with course-related learning goals. This makes Service Learning different than extracurricular community service/volunteering activities.
What does Service Learning look like in Rome?
All undergraduate students at LUC are required to complete at least one Engaged Learning course prior to graduation. Service Learning at the John Felice Rome Center fulfills the LUC Engaged Learning requirement, but the requirement can also be fulfilled with the Internship course or the Ricci Scholars Program offered in Rome. There are currently service learning components in Rome Studies, Italian, Theology and Anthropology courses. These courses require at least 20 hours of service learning and are structured around at least one Service Learning model (or a mix of them).
Additionally, these courses:
- Emphasize the importance of encounter and reciprocity in addressing service.
- Have specific learning goals connected to community service.
- Merge together community and classroom learning with critical reflection, through assignments and projects.
Further questions?
Please contact Dr. Luca Badetti, Service Learning and First Year Experience Coordinator: lbadetti@luc.edu