Honors Beyond the Classroom Through Service Learning
Typically, only Honors service learning courses fulfill the BTC requirement, given the special nature and rigorous service requirement of Honors service learning courses. These Honors courses can also fulfill Honors electives.
When students enroll in an Honors service learning course, they will apply classroom knowledge to serve real community needs while fulfilling the Honors BTC requirement. Students can expect service learning classes to have about 20 hours of engagement outside the classroom within a given semester. Service learning courses are three credits, and the SCHC offers unique classes (some of which will also count towards major and minor credit as well as Graduation with Leadership Distinction).
Service Learning Course Spotlights
Every major and interest area presents an opportunity to serve, so each semester we offer service learning courses led by faculty who have built careers harnessing their talents for good. Here are some recent and ongoing courses that serve our community.
-
Digging through the past
Uncover and preserve USC’s history through archaeological fieldwork and artifact analysis with campus and community partners to provide a more complete understanding of the university’s past.
-
History in the margins
Curate a public exhibit that showcases the history of how readers across generations interact with documents while partnering with USC's Irvin Department of Rare Books and Special Collections.
-
Cinematic horror as connection
Engage with Columbia’s film community through developing horror-themed installation pieces that explore and analyze depictions of female monstrosity in cinema at the Nickelodeon Theater.
Service Learning Initiatives
If a service learning course doesn’t quite fit into your academic schedule, there are still many opportunities to volunteer. Honors College student organizations have built long-standing relationships with community partners to positively impact Columbia.
While participation in student service organizations is a valuable college experience, service learning is distinguished by a formal academic component. Service learning will only receive Beyond the Classroom credit if taken as an Honors College service learning class.
-
UNIV 101 Service Competition
Make an impact as you compete for the most service hours.
-
Waverly Afterschool Program
Work with local communities to provide tutoring and mentorship for k-12 children.
-
Project Vida
Create presentations and activities about healthy living for Columbia's inner-city children.
Have Questions?
Honors students with questions about getting involved or meeting their Honors Beyond the Classroom requirement with service learning should contact Dylan Adame, M.Ed., the experiential learning coordinator for service learning and study away.