Creating a Double Community Engagement Experience: Sociology Classes at St. Thomas University
Title: Sociology Classes at St. Thomas University Double Community Engagement Impact Together
In a unique and innovative approach, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) sociology assistant professor Patricia Maddox and Dougherty Family College (DFC) clinical faculty Jennifer Trost have been creating a double community engagement experience for their Introduction to Sociology students. This partnership, which has been ongoing for three years, has not only strengthened the bond between the two professors but has also had a significant impact on their students and the community.
The collaboration between Maddox and Trost began with sharing stories of being first-generation college students and evolved into joint presentations around campus. Their shared vision of integrating DFC and CAS led them to participate in the Community Engagement Institute in 2017, where they discovered the concept of “double engagement.” This concept aimed to have their classes engage not only with the broader community but also with each other.
Through the support of the Center for Common Good’s Academic Community Engagement (ACE) program, Maddox and Trost brought their classes together to work on community involvement projects centered around housing discrimination. Initially meeting only twice a semester, they soon realized the need for more frequent interactions to build relationships and enhance the students’ experiences.
Their partnership has since evolved to include co-teaching classes and having students from both DFC and CAS volunteer together at the Catholic Charities Family Service Center in Maplewood. This collaboration has been recognized by President Julie Sullivan and Iowa and Minnesota Campus Compact, earning them the Presidents’ Civic Engagement Leadership Award.
The impact of this partnership extends beyond the classroom, as students from both classes have been actively involved in providing support to families experiencing homelessness. The students have also created a YouTube channel to share book readings, how-to instructions, and magic tricks for the children at the center.
The experience has been eye-opening for the students, who have gained a deeper understanding of social issues and the real-world impact of their actions. Despite the emotional toll that the work may take, the students have found the experience rewarding and fulfilling.
As the partnership continues to grow and evolve, Maddox and Trost are committed to providing their students with opportunities to engage with the community and each other. The success of their collaboration serves as a testament to the power of working together to create positive change in the world.