University Bulletin (2020-2021)

Brandeis offers a variety of Experiential Learning (EL) practicum courses in all disciplines that focus on both the theoretical and experiential realms of academic topics. Practicums enable students to develop skills, knowledge, and values from practical experiences and ongoing reflection. Practicum courses include projects that can involve research, lab work, community-based learning activities, theater, or art.

The EL practicum may include hands-on experiences relevant to the base course content that engage students intellectually, creatively, socially, physically, and/or emotionally. Practicum activities present opportunities to observe, experience, or engage with the theories learned in class. Structured reflection assignments and processes will enable students to think critically about their experiences and make nuanced connections between theory and practice.

Students may not enroll in an EL practicum course as a standalone course. Practicum courses can be taken either concurrently with the base course or within one year after completing the base course. Should a student drop the base class, enrollment in the associated practicum course may be automatically dropped.

EL 10a Experiential Learning Practicum
Yields half-course credit.
Offered as part of the Leader-Scholar Community Program.
Staff

EL 16a The Immigrant Experience in Waltham: A Service-based Practicum
Corequisite: AAAS 177a, AMST 55a, ANTH 1a, IGS 10a, POL 184a, or SOC 122a. Course may be taken as a prerequisite within the past year with permission of the instructor. Yields half-course credit.
Offers hands-on experience through community work with immigrants, applying frameworks and analysis methods of the base course. Students contribute to an organization that addresses the needs of immigrants and reflect on and explore other social justice/social policy issues of interest. Usually offered every semester.
Marcia McPhee

EL 35a Navigating STEM
Prerequisite: Successful completion of summer module. Offered exclusively on a credit/no-credit basis. Yields half-course credit.
Aims to create a more inclusive undergraduate experience in the STEM majors using a peer cohort and a near-peer mentor model to provide guidance and resources during the challenging first year of undergraduate studies. Usually offered every year.
Kene Piasta

EL 50a Dream, Persevere, Succeed: Skills for College and Career Success
Offered exclusively on a credit/no credit basis. Enrollment limited to first-year students who are members of the Student Support Services Program (SSSP). Yields half-course credit.
Examines the fundamentals of performing academic research. Topics include evaluating and analyzing information while thinking critically about current societal matters. The Learning Community culminates in a student research symposium. Offered every fall semester.
Staff

EL 65a Humanities Fellows Senior Salon
Yields half-course credit. Enrollment limited to Humanities Fellows.
Serves as a capstone to the Humanities Fellows Program. It is an opportunity for Fellows to reflect systematically on the relationship of what they have accomplished at Brandeis with respect to the tradition of liberal learning. Usually offered every year.
John Burt and Stephen Dowden

EL 66a Community Engagement Practicum
Yields half-course credit. Enrollment limited to Waltham Group coordinators.
Focuses on the topics of community engagement and partnerships, responsible leadership, policy, and non-profit development. This stand-alone practicum allows Waltham Group coordinators to reflect on and connect theoretical concepts to their volunteer programs. Usually offered every semester.
Lucas Malo

EL 70a Observing Difference: Faculty Student Partnership Program
Yields half-course credit.
Usually offered every year.
Keith Merrill

EL 94a Experiential Learning Practicum
Prerequisites and corequisites vary by section. Yields half-course credit.
Staff