Major Program

Summary of Course Requirements

CMMU 10, Introduction to Community Activism - The course explores different kinds of community activism (e.g., volunteering, faith based activism, non-profit based service provision and advocacy, community-based organizing) and critically appraises their strengths and shortcomings and their interconnectedness. A central goal is developing a critical perspective on the contemporary political economy of charity and so-called empowerment.

Community Studies 100A-Z – These gateway seminars provide students a particular substantive focus for their academic work and field study. In each of these courses, students learn about the social, cultural, historical, geographic, and/or economic context of specific issues as well as efforts to change existing conditions.

CMMU 101, Communities, Social Movements and the Third Sector – This course critically engages with concepts central to the major including constructions of community in social change efforts and the institutionalization of social movements in third sector organizations. It is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the opportunities and obstacles embedded in various avenues of social action.

CMMU 102, Preparation for Field Study – This course examines participatory and other social research methods including participant-observation, conducting interviews, writing ethnographic field notes, and collecting descriptive data. Students receive practical experience with developing research questions, methods, and writing field notes. The course also addresses ethical and logistical issues of research. The final project is a field study prospectus with articulated research questions and methods.

CMMU 198, Full-Time Field Study The full-time field study is offered in summer and fall quarters only, so you can follow up in the winter quarter with CMMU 194, Analysis of Field Materials. You will complete the major with a senior capstone project integrating academic course work, field study, and original research work. The major usually takes about two years to complete.

CMMU 194, Analysis of Field Materials – This course, designed for students returning from their full-time field study, has two related goals: (1) to help students, both individually and collectively, analyze and gain perspective on their field experiences; and (2) to move students through the process of completing the senior capstone requirement. Students work with their field material to develop findings and arguments. For students completing the major with a senior essay, the essay is completed in course 194. For students doing a senior thesis, project, or student-directed seminar, the student completes at least three major pieces of writing in course 194; some or all of which will be incorporated into the completed thesis, project, or student-directed seminar.

CMMU 195 Senior Project/Senior Thesis – continuation of thesis or project begun in 194. Required for all students completing a senior thesis/project as their capstone. Not required for students completing a senior essay as the capstone.

Directed Electives

The purpose of the elective requirement is to ensure that you have the necessary intellectual background for your field study and senior capstone requirement. You must take one each in the areas of

Two of the four directed electives must be satisfied through courses offered inside the department. Electives must be approved by the student’s 100(A-Z) seminar professor. A complete list of directed electives for each area is available on the website.

Because of its interdisciplinary program and the practical experience gained from the field study, Community Studies provides its graduates with many pathways for graduate work and careers.

Examples of Graduate Pathways:

Community Studies Students Have Become:

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