Fall 2025 PPS Courses
Hunger and Punishment: Food Security and the American Carceral System (EHUM)
PPS 1100-01, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 11:15 AM-12:05 PM
Instructor: Tasha Roberts
Hunger and Punishment: Food Security and the American Carceral System explores the intersection of hunger and the American carceral system, examining how those interacting with prisons and detention centers experience hunger and food access. Students will investigate the experiences of food insecurity among populations impacted by incarceration, the ethical implications of federal and state policy, and the broader impact of punitive policies on public health and social justice. Through a variety of speakers, readings, and case studies, the course will address key issues such as food access disparities, nutritional inequities, and the role of food security in rehabilitation and punishment. Students will critically evaluate the relationship between food justice and the carceral state, exploring how race, class, and social support structures shape the experiences of those returning from prisons and jails. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of how systemic inequities in food access contribute to broader patterns of inequality and incarceration in the United States.
Community Data & Research
PPS 1100-02, 1 hour, Mondays, 5:30 PM-6:20 PM
Instructor: Jeremy Rhodes
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.
Creative Economies in Waco
PPS 1100-03, 1 hour, Tuesdays, 2:00-2:50 PM
Instructor: Julie Cervantes
In this hands-on seminar, students will explore the relationship between arts, heritage, and economic growth in communities. Through collaboration with Creative Waco, they will examine how creative economies spur business development and foster cultural awareness. Using Día de los Muertos as a case study, participants will study Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism’s approach to globalizing cultural holidays. The course culminates in designing an alebrije mascot and volunteering in Waco’s Day of the Dead parade and festival. This experience equips students with practical tools in arts-based community engagement, tourism promotion, and cultural advocacy, preparing them for future endeavors in diverse fields.
Habitat for Humanity & Affordable Housing
PPS 1100-04, 1 hour, Thursdays, 2:00-2:50 PM
Instructor: John Alexander
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. Conceptual differences between public and private sector housing initiatives 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.
Advocacy - Children & Families
PPS 1100-05, 1 hour, Fridays, 12:20-1:10 PM
Instructor: Kerry Burkley
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.
Trauma Advocacy
PPS 1100-06, 1 hour, Fridays, 1:25-2:15 PM
Instructor: Kerry Burkley
This course engages students in becoming informed leaders and community responders, and in becoming advocates for the protection of those affected by child abuse.
Poverty in Waco
PPS 1100-7 & PPS 1100-08, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 12:20-1:10 PM or 1:25-2:15 PM
Instructor: Josh Caballero
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.
Law & Public Service
PPS 1100-09 & PPS 1100-10, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 2:30-3:20 PM or 3:35-4:25 PM
Instructor: Kent McKeever
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.
Urban Farmer's Markets (EHUM)
PPS 1100-11 & PPS 1100-12, 1 hour, Thursdays, 12:30-1:20 PM or 2:00-2:50 PM
Instructor: Bethel Erickson
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 10 hours outside of the classroom volunteering with the farmers market or market vendors.
Accompanying the Immigrant in Waco
PPS 1100-13 & PPS 1100-14, 1 hour, Tuesdays or Thursdays, 3:30-4:20 PM
Instructor: Israel Loachamin
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.
Transforming Child Poverty
PPS 1100-15 & PPS 1100-16, 1 hour, Mondays, 10:10-11:00 AM or 11:15 AM-12:05 PM
Instructor: Sarah Pedrotti
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.
Money, Power, and Impact: The Ethics of Social Welfare Funding
PPS 1100-17 & PPS 1100-18, 1 hour, Fridays, 10:10-11:00 AM or 11:15 AM-12:05 PM
Instructor: Emily Morrow Loachamin
How do social services get funded, and who controls the money? This course explores the history, policies, and ethics of social welfare funding. Students will work with a local agency to track funding sources and analyze real-world challenges in nonprofit finance, ethics, and impact-driven decision-making, and reflection.
Community Gardening (EHUM)
PPS 1100-19 & PPS 1100-20, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM or 9:05 AM - 9:55 AM
Instructor: Grant Hall
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.
Child Poverty Policy & Action: From Science to Solutions
PPS 1100-21 & 1100-22, 1 hour, Mondays or Wednesdays, 9:05-9:55 AM
Instructor: Robin McDurham
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.
"When Did We See You?" Creating a Conference to Motivate Compassion
PPS 1100-23, 1 hour, Tuesdays, 8:00-9:50 AM from August 25-October 10
Instructor: Jimmy Dorrell
Jesus’ clear mandate to his followers was to both see and help those people who were poor and marginalized in their communities (Matthew 25:31-46). Unfortunately, many churches often neglect these invisible people who are “hungry, thirsty, sick, a stranger, naked or in prison.” Students in this class will learn about these populations and needs through both research and volunteer service, and then help create a conference in October through Church Under the Bridge’s that will bring churches and Christian non-profit organizations together to learn, motivate and encourage appropriate compassion and actions.
Learning for the World
PPS 1101-01 & PPS 1101-02, 1 hour, Tuesdays, 3:30-4:20 PM
Instructors: Tammy Adair and Jennifer Good, Baylor Office of Engaged Learning
Focuses on pathways to excellence in scholarship and citizenship for students, enabling them to connect their transformational work in the classroom to opportunities for immersion, application, and engagement. Students will work with local nonprofits to learn how to address persistent community needs and challenges.
Community Law Enforcement
PPS 1102, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 10:10-11:00 AM
Instructor: Robert Lanning
This 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 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.
Community-Based Global Learning
PPS 2101 (4 sections), 1 hour, Wednesdays, 8:00-8:50 AM
Instructors: Dwayne Simmons, Anna Beaudry, Bo White, and Rebecca Flavin
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.
Leadership and Social Change
PPS 2301, 3 hours, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30-10:45 AM
Instructor: Leia Duncan
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.
Law, Justice and the Community
PPS 3372, 3 hours, Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:40-5:30 PM
Cross listed as PSC 3372
Instructor: Christopher Galeczka
Introduction to legal practice. Contains community service component and required internship in legal offices.
Christian Social Innovation
PPS 4303, 3 hours, Tuesdays, 2:00-4:45 PM
Instructor: Dustin Benac
Examines historical, theological, and theoretical frameworks, along with strategies that encourage Christians to build, renew, and transform institutions. Students spend time outside class working with institutions throughout the community to promote human flourishing.