Spring 2027 Engaged Learning Courses
Publishing the Literary Magazine
ENGL 4341, 3 hours, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:00-3:15 PM
Instructors: Dr. Laura Biagi & Dr. Julia Daniel
Examines the entire process of creating and distributing a national literary magazine, including aspects like soliciting submissions, editorial decision-making, design layout, marketing strategies, and legal considerations, all while focusing on the specific nuances of publishing creative writing like poetry, short fiction, and essays. Engages with the larger creative writing and publishing community by soliciting work from writers across the nation and even the globe.
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
EST 2300-01, 3 hours, Tuesdays/Thursdays, 11:00 AM-12:15 PM
Instructor: Dr. Scott Varda
Introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of ethnic studies, by examining the interconnections between race, ethnicity, and social, political, and cultural frameworks and attitudes in the U.S. This course fulfills the College of Arts and Sciences Engaged Learning requirement.
Intercultural Competence Abroad
GBL 1102
GBL 1102 is part of a three-course sequence designed to enhance international educational travel experiences. This course is required for all Baylor students studying abroad. It is designed to help you engage with your host culture and context while abroad and, at the same time, learn more about yourself and your cultural values.
Introduction to Model Organization of American States
HIS 2v89-01/LAS 2v89-01, Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:00-5:15 PM
Instructor: Dr. Mark McGraw
Course prepares students for first-time participation in a Model Organization of American States simulation. Stresses historical and contemporary hemispheric issues. May be repeated for a total of six credit hours under different topics.
Advanced Model Organization of American States
HIS 4v89-01/LAS 4v89-01/PSC 4v89-01, Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:00-5:15 PM
Instructor: Dr. Mark McGraw
Course prepares advanced students for leadership roles in a Model Organization of American States simulation. May be repeated for a total of six credit hours under different topics.
Bilingual Language Acquisition and Education
LING 4317/TED 4317, 2 sections - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30-10:45 AM & Fridays 8:00-10:45 AM
Instructors: Dr. Melisa Dracos & Dr. Tracey Jones
Examines childhood bilingual language acquisition and education and highlights how this understanding is critical to examining issues in bilingual education and promoting multilingual communities in an increasingly diverse U.S. society.
Advanced Public Relations
JOU 4368, MWF 10:10-11:00 AM & 11:15-12:05 PM
Instructor: Prof. Kim Patterson
Researching, planning, implementation and evaluation of public relations campaigns and programs. Includes a public relations internship.
Visual Arts and Healing
MH 3300, 3 hours, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00 AM -12:15 PM
Instructor: Dr. Lauren Barron
An overview of the connections between visual art, healing and health care, the role of imagination and creativity in medicine, including the critical viewing of art, class discussions, experiential learning, and a service-learning project. This course fulfills the College of Arts and Sciences Engaged Learning requirement.
Supervised Hospice Care
MH 4377, 3 hours, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00-3:15 PM
Instructor: Dr. Lauren Barron
Hands-on hospice experience including shadowing hospice professionals. Must meet hospice employment criteria. This course fulfills the College of Arts and Sciences Engaged Learning requirement.
Introduction to Museum Educational Programming
MST, 3 hours, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11:00 AM-12:15 PM
Instructor: Prof. Lesa Bush
Explores types of museum education, including both directed/formal education programs and free choice/informal learning opportunities. Examines the history of museum education and ways to create engaging educational programming that will attract visitors and adapt to different learning styles. This course fulfills the A&S Engaged Learning requirement.
Exhibit Design and Preparation
MST 4331, 3 hours, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 PM
Instructor: Prof. Erik Swanson
Provides a practical introduction to the theory and execution of museum exhibitions, which are the most forward-facing aspect of the visitor experience, in a variety of forms. This course qualifies for credit in the Engaged Learning distribution list.
Museum Internship
MST 4v60
Instructor: Prof. Emily Clark
Internship in the daily operation of a museum or related organization and completion of a specialized project.
Sleep
NSC/PSY 3375, 3 hours, Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays, 11:15 AM-12:05 PM
Instructor: Dr. Michael Scullin
The psychology and neuroscience underlying healthy sleep, circadian rhythms, the effects of sleep deprivation, clinical sleep disorders, and solutions for improving sleep. Includes engaged learning activities such as community-based term projects.
Ethics in Action
PHI 1311, 3 hours, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11:00 AM-12:15 PM
Instructor: Dr. Anne Jeffrey
Students are introduced to issues in ethics—the study of how to live well—through participating in local community work and study of philosophical theories. Coursework includes regular engagement with organizations working in areas that impact human thriving such as health, education, environment, inequality, and immigration. Students will integrate reflection on their experiences in the community with people facing barriers to living well with philosophical argument and theory to refine and revise judgments about key ethical issues. This course fulfills the College of Arts and Sciences Engaged Learning requirement.
Theatre & Philanthropy
PPS 1100-01, 1 hour, Mondays, 3:35-5:15 PM
Instructor: Kelly MacGregor, Waco Civic Theatre
Theatre and Philanthropy explores the power of performance as a catalyst for community engagement and social impact. Designed for both theatre and non-theatre majors, this experiential course invites students to produce and perform Radium Girls—a historical drama that illuminates issues of labor rights, corporate responsibility, and women’s health. Beyond the stage, students will partner with local non-profit organizations working in the areas of health, law, and the arts. Through these collaborations, students will learn how storytelling can amplify real-world causes, advocate for social change, and strengthen community relationships. Classwork emphasizes interdisciplinary learning in performance, civic engagement, marketing, and social advocacy. Students will gain hands-on experience in project management, event planning, and public relations while producing a public performance that benefits partner organizations.
Community Data & Research
PPS 1100-02, 1 hour, Mondays, 5:30 PM-6:20 PM
Instructor: Dr. Jeremy Rhodes, Prosper Waco
Engaging and partnering with community members and entities in research, sometimes in the form of research practice partnership, can be a powerful mechanism for ensuring research and data is appropriately situated within the context and utilized for social change. Students will learn how to apply research methods and data analysis to local organizations focused on social impact. Partnering with Prosper Waco, students will implement a community-engaged research project.
Child Poverty Policy & Action: From Science to Solutions
PPS 1100-03, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 10:10-11:00 AM
Instructor: Dr. Robin McDurham, Transformation Waco
Explore how poverty reshapes children’s brains, communities, and futures in this immersive course blending neuroscience, policy analysis, and advocacy. Examine programs such as the Child Tax Credit through poverty simulations and legislative role-play, and discover how data mapping, storytelling, and trauma-informed strategies translate research into meaningful action. The course features a service-learning project with four to five hours off-campus and a 5-hour advocacy project, such as creating a podcast, that can be completed on campus. Ideal for aspiring educators, policymakers, and health professionals. No prerequisites are required—only a passion for justice and ending child poverty.
Habitat for Humanity & Affordable Housing
PPS 1100-04, 1 hour, Thursdays, 2:00-2:50 PM
Instructor: John Alexander, Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity & Affordable Housing is designed to introduce students to ideas and methods of community service in the specific area of residential housing/construction. Operations of non-profit organizations in the USA are discussed with emphasis on the historical development of Habitat for Humanity as an ecumenical Christian, non-governmental organization (NGO). The philosophy behind this organization and details of its history are discussed in depth. Students participate in Habitat projects and learn first-hand the importance of community service, contributing 20 total hours of work time during the semester.
Non-Profit Sports Ministry
PPS 1100-05, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 8:00-8:50 AM
Instructor: Jennifer Martinsen, Molly Martinsen Foundation
This course will give you a first-hand look into the grass-roots efforts of building a sports ministry from the ground up. Learn from, develop, and help grow a non-profit sports ministry. Volley for Molly was founded in 2013 as a way to honor Molly’s life, her love of Jesus, and her passion for volleyball. Molly Grace Martinsen passed away from brain cancer in 2012, when she was only 11 years old. This annual tournament is the foundation’s only fundraiser, and all the money raised is donated to families, individuals, grief nonprofits, Christian ministries, and brain cancer research. The course will include guest speakers currently involved in sports ministry to enable students to receive a first-hand look into different sports ministries to see how each is uniquely structured yet with the same goal of spreading the gospel.
Poverty in Waco
PPS 1100-06, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 12:20-1:10 PM
Instructor: Josh Caballero, 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 its 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 20 hours of volunteer service over the course of the semester.
Philanthropy in Practice
PPS 1100-07, 1 hour, Mondays, 2:30-3:20 PM
Instructor: Dr. Timothy Packer, The Cove
Philanthropy in Practice (PiP) is designed to introduce students to the ideas, practices and challenges involved in philanthropy and fundraising. PiP introduces students to the topics of why people give, how people give, and the challenges that can arise. Content for the course draws on academic thinking, case studies, and key characters who have shaped philanthropic work. Students will put these ideas into practice by selecting and fundraising for a local nonprofit organization of the students' choice. PiP is taught by Dr. Timothy Packer, who is Executive Director of the Waco-based nonprofit The Cove, serving high school students experiencing homelessness.
Sustainability, Agriculture, & Food Systems: From Soil to Society (EHUM)
PPS 1100-08, 1 hour, Mondays, 10:10-11:00 AM
Instructor: Sky Toney, Noble Research Institute
Students will examine the impacts and challenges of modern agriculture, including its relationship to the environment, public health, food systems, and policy. The course explores how regenerative agriculture can contribute to healthier people, ecosystems, and communities. Drawing on the research and expertise of Noble Research Institute, the nation’s largest independent agricultural research organization, students connect academic learning with hands-on agricultural experiences and community engagement. Through these experiences, students develop a deeper understanding of our food system and explore how they can leverage their knowledge, skills, and personal and professional lives to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Community Gardening (EHUM)
PPS 1100-09, Wednesdays, 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Instructor: Grant Hall, World Hunger Relief Farm
In this course students learn the about the value of community gardens in urban areas. Through hands-on work and community service, students will hone their gardening skills to grow fresh produce and strengthen their connection to the environment.
Law & Public Service
PPS 1100-10, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 2:30-3:20 PM
Instructor: Kent McKeever, Greater Waco Legal Services
In addition to one weekly classroom hour devoted to the public service aspect of the legal profession, students will engage the local legal community and various manifestations of law and public service outside the classroom. Whether students are considering a career in law or not, all those interested in how the legal profession partners with those working in other public service roles and intersects with other vital social systems and professional endeavors will find this course engaging, edifying, and equipping. Students will hone and develop thinking, collaboration, and advocacy skills through their work inside and outside the classroom.
Transforming Child Poverty
PPS 1100-11, 1 hour, Mondays 12:20-1:10 PM
Instructor: Sarah Pedrotti, Communities in Schools in the Heart of Texas
Working with Communities in Schools, this course explores the consequences of child poverty in Waco and attends to the role cross-sector collaboration, community schools, and wrap-around services play in mitigating disadvantage.
Accompanying Spanish-Speaking People in Waco
PPS 1100-12, 1 hour, Tuesdays 3:30-4:20 PM
Instructor: Eloisa Cruz Arrendondo, Inspiracion Waco
This course invites students to explore the experiences of Spanish-speaking migrants and immigrant families in Waco, Texas. Through readings, journaling, community engagement, volunteering with La Puerta and Inspiración-Waco, and meaningful class discussions, students will develop a deeper understanding of the challenges, strengths, cultures, and contributions of the migrant community. Rather than simply learning about migration, students will consider what it means to accompany others with empathy, dignity, and an open mind. The course offers opportunities to examine migration through a human-centered lens while discovering the resilience, diversity, and interconnectedness that shape Waco and our shared responsibility to build a more welcoming, inclusive society.
Wellness in Waco (EHUM)
PPS 1100-13, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 11:15 AM - 12:05 PM
Instructor: April Strickland
Through class discussions we will explore how collaboration with area nonprofits focused on food access, health, environmental sustainability and other wellness initiatives has planted seeds of hope. This section will explore how meaningful partnerships with local nonprofits can spark real, lasting change in our community. Students will gain firsthand insight into what community engagement looks like in action across non-profit sectors including schools, churches, grassroots organizations etc. This course equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to lead ethically and effectively within their communities. Join us as we examine how small acts of service can grow into sustainable impact for the common good.
Advocacy - Children & Families
PPS 1100-14, 1 hour, Fridays, 12:20-1:10 PM
Instructor: Dr. Kerry Burkley, Advocacy Center Waco
This course engages students in becoming informed leaders and community responders, and in becoming advocates for the protection of those affected by child abuse.
Trauma Advocacy
PPS 1100-15, 1 hour, Fridays, 1:25-2:15 PM
Instructor: Dr. Kerry Burkley, Advocacy Center Waco
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.
Community Tax Prep
PPS 1100-16, Tuesdays, 5:00-5:50 PM
Instructor: Jason MacGregor, Hankamer School of Business
This course gives students the opportunity to make a real impact while developing valuable professional skills. Students receive comprehensive training using IRS-approved materials and earn official IRS certification before assisting clients. During tax season, students provide free, high-quality tax preparation services to low-to-moderate income individuals and families. This hands-on experience builds technical expertise, communication skills, and confidence in applying practical knowledge to real-world challenges. By serving as trusted tax preparers, students not only strengthen their resumes but also contribute meaningfully to financial well-being in the Waco area. Instructor Permission Required.
Community Family Medicine
PPS 1100-17, Wednesdays, 9:05-9:55 AM
Instructor: Dr. Rachel Rube, Baylor Scott & White, Hillcrest
This course is an introduction to Community Medicine from a Family Medicine perspective. This will be an interactive engagement in various settings across the Waco community. Students will have experiential time volunteering and shadowing in a primary care clinic and ancillary facilities to learn more intimately the inner workings of the outpatient healthcare network within the broader sphere of Public Health. Instructor Permission Required.
Introduction to Community Dentistry
PPS 1100-18, Mondays, 9:05-9:55 AM
Instructor: Dr. Kelsey Thompson, Waco Family Medicine
This course provides hands-on experience in community dentistry for students interested in dental and other health professions. Students will engage in dental outreach through schools and community settings, as well as at Waco Family Medicine clinics, supporting preventive care and oral health education for underserved populations. The course introduces health equity, social determinants of health, and the role of dental professionals in improving community health. Instructor Permission Required.
Community Medicine - Micah Scholars
PPS 1100-19, Mondays, 1:25-2:15 PM
Instructor: Dr. Chad Thompson, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pre-Health Education
This one hour credit engaged learning course invites Micah Scholars to continue exploring health, medicine, and the vocation of health professionals through the “textbook of the community.” Students will deepen relationships with Waco neighbors, community organizations, and healthcare partners while learning from their knowledge, experiences, and practices of care. Through engagement, conversation, observation, and reflection, students will examine how place, relationships, institutions, and social conditions shape health and healing. The course emphasizes presence, listening, humility, and reflection as students discern their responsibilities to the communities they will serve. Instructor Permission Required.
Community Based Global Learning
PPS 1101-01, PPS 1101-02, and PPS 1101-03 1 hour, Thursdays 3:30-4:20 PM (Section 2) or Fridays 8:00-8:50 AM (Section 1)
Instructors: Dr. Jennifer Good, Baylor Office of Engaged Learning and Dr. Guilherme Almedia de Feitosa, Baylor Theatre
Explore concepts of power and privilege relating to global citizenship, service, and community-driven efforts. Students will be assigned leadership roles related to Engaged Learning courses at Baylor and will experience ethical, critical, and decolonial community-based learning and research practices. Instructor permission required. Must apply to and be accepted as a Vardaman Scholar to enroll.
Leadership and Social Change
PPS 2301, 3 hours, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30-10:45 AM
Instructor: Leia Duncan, Baylor & Beyond
This course illuminates the theory and practice of leading groups toward positive social change locally and globally, emphasizing issues such as poverty, public education, and systemic inequality. All students will learn from community engagement projects and activities on best practices for leading change. The primary goal for this course is for each student to think about their role as a contributing global citizen.
Philanthropy and Fundraising
PPS 3303, 3 hours, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11:00-12:15 PM
Instructor: Dr. Dustin Benac, Baylor Office of Engaged Learning
Combining both theory and practical how-tos, this course is designed to provide perspective, application, and reflection on the interplay of philanthropy, fundraising, and faith. Special attention will be given to fundraising, grant applications, interpersonal fundraising, and project execution.
Philanthropy and the Public Good
PPS 4310, 3 hours, Wednesdays, 12:20-3:05pm
Cross listed with SOC 4312
Instructors: Dr. Andy Hogue, Baylor Office of Engaged Learning
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.
Law, Justice, and the Community
PSC 3372-01, 3 hours, Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:00-5:15 PM
Cross listed with PPS 3372
Instructor: Chris Galeczka, Baylor Law School
Introduction to legal practice. Contains community service component and required internship in legal offices. (Instructor permission required to enroll.)
Model United Nations
PSC 3375, 3 hours, Mondays, 5:45 PM-8:30 PM
Instructor: Dr. Rebecca Flavin
This course provides an overview of the principal organs, related organizations, and specialized agencies of the United Nations system, including research into the work of specific committees that Baylor’s Model UN team will simulate at national and local conferences. The course includes an engaged learning component such as a community Model UN for local schools or applied research for a UN agency or NGO. The course may be taken twice.
Public Service Internship
PSC 3382, 3 hours, Monday & Wednesday, 4:00-5:15 PM
Instructor: Dr. Braeden McNulty
Research and seminars supplemented by fieldwork in a regional federal agency, in a state or local governmental agency, or in a not-for-profit agency.
Bob Bullock Internship
PSC 3698, 3 hours, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00-9:15 AM
Instructor: Dr. Pat Flavin
Selection as a Bullock Scholar and research in the Texas Legislature or Executive Branch as part of the Bob Bullock Scholars program. *Interested students must be accepted to the Bullock Scholars program through a competitive application process to enroll in this course.
Baylor in Washington Semester Internship
PSC 3992, 3 hours
Instructor: Dr. Rebecca Flavin & Hannah Wardell Metcalf
Baylor in Washington students will participate in a full-time internship in Washington, D.C. in a field of their choice. Examples of internships include: U.S. State Department, Capitol Hill, The Supreme Court, think tanks, advocacy organizations, Smithsonian Museums, consulting firms, and nonprofits. Through the Washington Semester Internship Course, students will earn 9 credit hours for completing their internship and participating in professional development activities every Friday throughout the semester. These professional development opportunities include workshops on writing, communication, and networking along with career panels and behind-the-scenes briefings featuring experts around D.C. Students will also complete several assignments designed to help them learn more about their professional and intellectual strengths and interests and expand their knowledge about career paths in D.C. *Interested students must be accepted to the Baylor in Washington program through a competitive application process to enroll in this course.
Urban Political Processes
PSC 4330, 3 hours, Section 1 Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00-9:15 AM
Instructor: Colby Humphrey
Political institutions and processes in metropolitan areas, including social, economic, and governmental problems resulting from increased urbanization. Students will also apply this knowledge in engaged learning projects.
Applied Sociology
SOC 4303, 3 hours, Mondays & Wednesdays, 1:00-2:15 PM
Instructor: Jodien Johnson
This course is designed to provide students an in-depth understanding of applied sociology through practical application of sociological methods in the community outside our classroom doors. We will be working on projects at the Center for Community Research and Development (CCRD) where students will have the opportunity to work alongside Baylor Sociology graduate students on client-driven research projects. We will work on projects that help you develop critical thinking, presentation, writing, communication, and collaborative skills.
Advanced Spanish for Heritage Speakers
SPA 3304, 3 hours, Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays, 10:10-11:00 AM OR 11:15 AM-12:05 PM
Instructors: Prof. Patricia Escamilla
Designed for students who have prior exposure to Spanish but may not have studied it formally. Readings and discussion about Spanish-speaking communities worldwide and practice at advanced-level proficiency to develop speaking and writing skills for professional contexts.
Advanced Spanish for Health Professions
SPA 4321, 3 hours, Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays, 9:05-9:55 AM OR 10:10-11:00 AM
Instructors: Dr. Esther Hur & Dr. Karrol Hardin
In-depth experience with Spanish in medical contexts, including a community service-learning component, with emphasis on oral and aural proficiency. Must be taken in residence at Baylor in order to count toward the Certificate in Spanish for Health Professions. This course fulfills the College of Arts and Sciences Engaged Learning requirement.
Research Methods in Sustainable Design
THEA 4306, 3 hours, Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays, 12:20-1:10 PM
Instructor: Sarah Mosher
Students will explore research modalities engaged by designers in performance, including movements in sustainable design, integrated scenography, and community engagement. They will also participate in engaged learning components to investigate real-world questions in diverse community contexts.