Experiential Learning Opportunities
Courses and Practica
The Experiential Learning department keeps a list of all courses and practica that utilize the experiential learning cycle. An Experiential Learning designation (found in the course description or syllabus) refers to a style of teaching, not the content. Courses and practica are available in almost every major. Practica are 2-credit options often connected to a 4-credit course, where a handful of motivated students have access to a much deeper investigation of the material covered in the main course. Practica can be taught by faculty, staff, or students under the supervision of the professor leading the course.
Each semester, a list of experiential learning courses is compiled by the director of the Experiential Learning Department and released by the registar's office.
Internships
A supervised work experience which combines critical thinking, intentional reflection with a student's major or concentration is the definitive example of a successful internship. Being an intern in a company or other organization which matches a student's interest is excellent preparation for entering the work force and ideal in showcasing a student's mastery in his or her discipline.
For more information about internship opportunities, visit the Hiatt Career Center Web site.
Field-Based Experience
Courses which encourage students to work "in the field" provide valuable opportunities to gather data, test hypotheses and implement solutions to issues in our communities and environment. This mode allows students and educators the chance to test ideas, gather more information and input in order to create solutions for issues in the discipline.
For examples of courses and student projects, see Field-Based Learning.
Creative Work: Studio & Performance
The School of Creative Arts at Brandeis is a community of artists and scholars in the fields of fine art, music and theater arts who share the belief that art is the great legacy of human accomplishment and essential to interdisciplinary learning. By uniting creative expression with academic inquiry, we educate our students to become accomplished artists and engaged citizens prepared to contribute to a multicultural society.
Experiential learning courses available in the School of Creative Arts are included in the experiential learning course list, which is released each semester.
Community-Engaged Learning
The Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) initiative is an aspect of the university's broad-based commitment to experiential learning. By integrating hands-on practice and thoughtful reflection, CEL projects enhance the university's commitments to social justice and academic rigor. Through active engagement with local communities, we try to hold up a mirror to ourselves as we work to build an increasingly inclusive and supportive community at Brandeis.
Research & Guided Inquiry
Research and guided inquiry involve the development of new knowledge through scholarly research methods. Students pursue research/inquiry under the guidance of a faculty member either as an independent study project or as part of a course.
For more information, see Research and Guided Inquiry.