Spring 2023 Courses

Urban Farmers Markets

PPS1100-08, 1 hour, Tuesdays, 12:30-1:20pm

Instructor: Bethel Erickson-Bruce, Waco Downtown Farmers Market Director

This course explores the connection between small business and the local food and farming community - through the operation of an alternative marketplace. Students will learn how the Waco Downtown Farmers Market addresses food access, supports entrepreneurship, and builds community by engaging in weekly discussions and readings that investigate the various parts of the food system. Students will also spend thirty hours launching a midweek evening farmers market for Downtown Waco.

Accompanying Immigrants in Waco

PPS1100-12, 1 hour, Tuesdays, 11:00-11:50am

Instructor: Israel Loachamín, Executive Director, La Puerta

This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the journey of a Spanish-speaking immigrant in Waco to develop an awareness of the unique and rich community that the U.S. has. Students will explore the journey of a Spanish-speaking immigrant through reading, journaling, volunteering with La Puerta, and class discussions.

Poverty in Waco

PPS 1100-02, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 12:20-1:10pm

Instructor: Josh Caballero, Community Engagement Officer, City of Waco

This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty in Waco and determine ways students can become more civically engaged. Students will learn from a variety of experts and Waco specific studies about the impact of poverty and it's intersection with the sectors of employment, education, health, and community development. Students will also get a firsthand glimpse into the challenges facing those experiencing poverty in Waco through 30 hours of volunteer service over the course of the semester. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of poverty and ways they can work towards solutions in their field. 

Baylor Neighborhood Association

PPS1100-01, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 3:35-4:25pm

Instructor: Krista Brinser, Director of Community Relations, External Affairs, Baylor University

The Baylor Neighborhood Association connects the off-campus community with Waco residents living within the Baylor Neighborhood Boundaries. Students in this course will: 1) Discuss and evaluate the needs and improve the quality of life within the neighborhood, 2) Promote a strong sense of cooperation in our neighborhood and among businesses, 3) Assist and encourage the restoration, preservation, and improvement of this neighborhood, and engage more holistically the Baylor University student body in the local community.  

Philanthropy and the Public Good

PPS 4310-01, 3 hours, Wednesdays, 12:20-3:05pm

Cross listed with SOC 4v70 and Social Philosophy, PHI 4361 

Instructors: Dr. Andy Hogue, Dr. Emily Hunt-Hinojosa, and Dr. Anne Jeffrey

This course is designed to provide an understanding of the role of philanthropy in shaping public life and investigate charity’s relationship to power in contemporary social institutions. Students will apply disciplinary knowledge towards stewarding 100,000 dollars to the Waco community in partnership with local social sector organizations.

Learning for the World

PPS 1100-07, 1 hour, Fridays, 2:30-3:20pm, Instructor: Dr. Emily Hunt-Hinojosa

PPS 1100-13, 1 hour, Fridays, 2:30-3:20pm, Instructor: Dr. Daniel Benyousky

PPS 1100-14, 1 hour, Fridays, 2:30-3:20pm, Instructor: Dr. Andy Hogue

PPS 1100-15, 1 hour, Fridays, 2:30-3:20pm, Instructor: Dr. Lauren Poor

PPS 1100-16, 1 hour, Fridays, 2:30-3:20pm, Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Good

This class begins the student academic journey toward excellence in scholarship, leadership, and citizenship. It is designed to equip students with the pathways to orient their education toward human flourishing and to begin developing the purpose, character, and innovative mindsets that foster excellence together. In concert with academic reading and discussion, students will be placed in service groups connected to local organizations for weekly engagement opportunities.

*5 SECTIONS LISTED ARE FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS ONLY*

Law and Public Service

PPS 1100-04 & 1100-05, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 2:30-3:20 & 3:35-4:25pm

Instructor: Kent McKeever, Greater Waco Legal Services

In addition to one weekly classroom hour focused on the ways the law can be used to serve, students must complete a minimum of 30 volunteer hours. The volunteer requirement may include public service at local legal aid clinics, veteran’s assistance clinics, immigration clinics, and other pro bono organizations.  As part of the 30-hour requirement, a student may elect to participate in up to 10 hours of courtroom observation. 

Community Gardening

PPS 1100-06 & 1100-11, 1 hour, Thursdays, 12:30-1:20 & 2:00-2:50pm

Instructor: Doug Nesmith, Lab Coordinator, Baylor Environmental Science

In this course students learn the value of community gardens in schools and urban areas.  Through volunteerism, students will learn how community gardens provide fresh produce as well as neighborhood improvement, sense of community and connection to the environment.

Advocacy for Children

PPS 1100-09, 1 hour, Fridays, 12:20-1:10pm

Instructor: Kerry Burkley, Children’s Advocacy Center Program Director

This course engages students in becoming informed leaders and community responders, and in becoming advocates for the protection of those affected by child abuse.  Effort will also be made to help students process how churches and religious organizations can engage activity for holistic community change regarding child abuse.  

Families In Crisis

PPS 1100-10, 1 hour, Fridays, 1:25-2:15pm

Instructor: Kerry Burkley, Children’s Advocacy Center Program Director

Students in this course discuss the specific impact of how trauma affects individuals and how a ministry of hope increases the likelihood of generating a “new normal” in which a family can survive and thrive.  Students will also engage research-based group dynamics that help facilitate a more open approach to helping families in crisis.

Community Law Enforcement

PPS 1102-01, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00am

Instructor: Robert Lanning, Assistant Police Chief, Waco Police Department

Description: The course provides students an opportunity to interact with and listen to federal, state, county and municipal government officials and understand how they function. The students are exposed to 12-14 guest lectures from all areas mentioned. The main focus is on management and law enforcement and class discussions are held on hot topics such as racial profiling, use of force, etc. The course involves guest speakers such as federal agents, district attorney representatives, state police, municipal police, county police, S.W.A.T. teams and crime scene experts.

Criminal Justice/ Community Law Enforcement

PPS 3302-01, 3 hours, Wednesdays, 5:30-8:15pm

Cross listed with PSC 3302

Instructor: Chief Sheryl Victorian, Chief of Police, Waco Police Department

Examination of the criminal justice system, law enforcement, police, courts, and the corrections system through service-learning, as well as classroom instruction.