Program

A minor in community engaged learning combines practical experience with critical pedagogies.

See the Academic Calendar for specific course requirements or Connect for class times.

"Being part of the Community Engaged Learning program has been the highlight of my Mount Allison experience so far. CENL classes are unique because they allow students to take agency in their education through experiential learning opportunities. This CENL program has provided me with the opportunity to make meaningful connections with the Tantramar community. The program has allowed me the rare opportunity to see and feel the impact of my work. I will continue to use the skills that I have developed while planning and executing CENL projects for the rest of my life."
Leor Handelsman (Fourth year student)


Courses

2023-24 CENL course offerings

A-term and Fall 2023

Note: All courses are worth 3 credits.

A-Term 2023

CENL/INDG 1991P: Indigenous Community Assets
Prof. Sacha Dewolfe

Indigenous Community Assets is a community-based learning opportunity that offers students time to engage with Asset Based Community Development principles and practices from a citizen perspective.  This week-long intensive course incorporates community voice, world renowned leaders in ABCD and situates community as the driver for learning. This course requires students to step out of their comfort zone and into discovery! Please email the instructor for funding options and registration: sdewolfe@mta.ca


CENL 2991P : Climate Leadership
Dr. Mike Fox

What can we learn from local climate leaders, activists and researchers to fight the climate crisis? This course is taught in-person during 5 days in the A-term from  Mon., Aug 28 - Fri., Sept 1. The class will be travelling around the region to meet with local climate leaders, activists and researchers with a focus on the role of active community engagement as a key strategy in addressing this global issue and its impacts. No prereqs.

 

Fall 2023

CENL/RELG 1001: Intro to Compassionate Communities
Dr. Leslie Shumka

What does a compassionate community look like and could it become a model for addressing social injustices such as the poverty, housing insecurity, and loneliness in our midst? We’ll discuss how understanding compassion more fully and using it as a driver of social action we are able to transform our communities for the benefit of all members.  
 

CENL 2101: Introduction to Community Engaged Learning
Dr. Leslie Shumka

What does it mean to ‘blow out the walls of your classroom’? In this course, it means that you are introduced to the field of community engaged learning through an immersive experience in Sackville or a nearby community. This type of place-based learning involves project work, often in a community school, and helps you develop a skill-set with practical applications beyond community engagement.

 

Winter 2024

Note: All courses are worth 3 credits.

CENL 1401: Education, Mentorship and Athletics 
Dr. Leslie Shumka

This introduction to community engaged learning is well suited to individuals who already volunteer as coaches and mentors, or those who are considering careers in recreation administration and education. If you’d like to take your learning into a community school on a weekly basis then this might be the experience you are looking for. Will be renamed CENL 1401.
 

CENL 1201: Community and Social Change
Mr. Chris Ryan


Are you looking to make a difference in your community when it comes to addressing social change, but are not sure where to start? Armed with knowledge garnered from years of experience and research, an enthusiastic group of faculty members will introduce you to the conceptual tools that are crucial for community organizing and volunteer work.
 

CENL 2001: Community Narratives
Dr. Leslie Shumka

Story-telling has always served as a powerful medium for community groups and institutions as they construct a sense of identity, create awareness of social concerns relevant to them, and encourage members to help solve pressing social issues. We examine storytelling as it pertains to rural communities like Sackville, identify the most effective narratives for a digital age, and identify the tools used to create and tell these stories (e.g., university archives, natural and historical landmarks, our local heritage society, and more).
 

CENL 3101: Community as Classroom
Dr. Barbra Clayton


This course provides a deep survey of methods and theories of community engagement. It introduces students to the larger community of praxis of community-engaged learning, and centres students' participation in a major ongoing community project. Students assist in project design, assessment, and formulation of future projects. (Format: Lecture/Tutorial 3 hours) (Exclusions: Any version of UNST 3991/4991 with the same title Community as Classroom) Prereq: 3 credits from CENL/RELG 1001, CENL 2001; CENL 2101; or Permission of the department.

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