During the Spring 2013 semester, 26 students participated in Research Service-Learning (RSL) courses offered by the Hart Leadership Program. Each of these students volunteered 20 hours of their time to one of four local organizations, allowing them to integrate their public policy coursework with hands-on experience. At the end of the semester, students produced a tangible, usable research product for their community partners.

 

Students in Professor Nick Carnes’ course The Politics of Public Policy (PPS 301) worked with two different political organizations: the Durham People’s Alliance and the John Locke Foundation. Ten students worked with DPA to analyze voter data in North Carolina and canvass communities where the DPA grassroots organizing model could be successfully introduced. Five students worked with the John Locke Foundation to evaluate a state proposal to introduce economic incentives in order to strengthen the boat manufacturing industry in coastal North Carolina.. . Their work culminated in a policy recommendation evaluating the pros and cons of the proposed economic incentives.

Students draw connections between course material and their research project with the Durham People’s Alliance.

Students draw connections between course material and their research project with the Durham People’s Alliance.

Students who worked with the John Locke Foundation present their policy recommendation on economic incentives in North Carolina.

Students who worked with the John Locke Foundation present their policy recommendation on economic incentives in North Carolina.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professor Bob Korstad’s spring course The Insurgent South (PPS 232) challenged students to analyze public policy positions espoused by social movements, organizations, and activists. Students worked with Church World Service and the Southern Coalition for Social Justice on projects to promote awareness of refugee resettlement and human rights issues affecting  minority communities in the South. Students were able to produce tangible products which deepened their understanding of social activism and developed their analytical skills.

 

Since 2006, the Hart Leadership Program has offered Research Service-Learning in 21 courses, in partnership with 38 local organizations.We will continue offering unique opportunities for experiential learning in the Fall! To learn more about RSL in Fall 2013, please visit https://hart.sanford.duke.edu/rsl/people/.

Categories: