Service-Learning Courses at USP

The following are some of the courses taught at the University that have a service-learning component. Please note that not all courses are taught every semester. Also students who have a service-learning requirement in their curriculum (eg. PT, HS) can not use those courses for the Service-Learning requirement.

BS 490 Special Topics:Infection and Immunity
Vandana Miller, M.D.
Out reach to local community about the flu vaccine at Health District #3.

HS 210: Health and Social Participation, 3 credits
Joanne Ames, Assistant Professor of Occupation Therapy
The overall objective of the course is to understand the impact of community and social engagement on health. The service-learning component involves developing health based community projects at various community settings in West Philadelphia.

HS 415/615 Falls in the Elderly, 3 credits
Carol Maritz, EdD, PT, GCS, Assistant Professor Physical Therapy
A community-based health care and social services program for the frail elderly, operated by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, conducted at USP and Living Independently for Elders (LIFE).

OT 303/503: Human Development and Performance, 4 credits
Roger Ideishi, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
The overall objective of the course is to understand the development, integration and adaptation of sensory, motor, cognitive, perceptual, psychological and social skills within various human performance contexts. The service-learning component of the course involves designing developmental activities for children at a Head Start Preschool.

OT 360/560: Clinical Teaching and Learning Theory, 3 credits
Roger Ideishi, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
The overall objective of the course is to effectively apply and evaluate the teaching and learning process within the context of occupational therapy and health services. The service-learning component of the course involves developing learning experiences for adults with developmental disabilities at a work training program.

OT 452/552: Human Occupation - Concepts and Practice, 4 credits
Roger Ideishi, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
The overall objective of the course is to understand and analyze the organization of and participation in valued and meaningful clusters of personal and social activities, or occupations. In addition, the course emphasizes the contextual or environmental influences on a person's ability to adapt to evolving personal, social and environmental circumstances. The service-learning component of the course involves designing environments to promote play exploration at a Head Start Preschool.

OT 382: Community Service Learning, 1 credit
Joanne Ames, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
Students are assigned to sites in twos or threes, and design activity-based programs and educational materials specific to the needs of the setting. These assignments come out of two other courses (OT 360 and OT 452) that are taken concurrently.

PB 303 Social Marketing 3 credits
Melanie Oates, RN, MBA, PhD, Assistant Professor Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management and Pharmacy Administration.
Explore marketing from the standpoint of Public Health and behavior change strategies.

SO 205 Social Problems 3 credits
Joseph Ruane, PhD, Professor of Sociology and Health Policy
Study of nature and scope of significant social problems in society, analyzing the probably causes, and assessments of various solutions. Volunteer in the community while researching one aspect of the service.

SO 315 Complex Organizations and Theory 3 credits
Joseph Ruane, PhD, Professor of Sociology and Health Policy
A broad introduction to organizational development and to organization theories that apply to bureaucracies, private enterprises and voluntary associations. Volunteer with organization; analyze weekly report on element of organization.

SO 325 Social Ecology 3 credits
Joseph Ruane, PhD, Professor of Sociology and Health Policy
Overview of the field of human ecology. Course format involves discussion of ecological factors of society form a community to global perspective, based on readings and experience in urban sociology. Study urban community changes and give service to neighborhood organization.

SO 340 Special Topics in Sociology 3 credits
Joseph Ruane, PhD, Professor of Sociology and Health Policy
Topics of special interest considered from a sociological perspective. Service learning is incorporated in topic.

SP 301 Spanish for Health Care Professionals 3 credits
Roxanne Evans, Professor
Students have opportunity to practice Spanish with native speakers while working in an environment with Health Care personnel.