Fall 2026 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, Baylor Collaborative for Hunger and Poverty

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, 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.

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. 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, 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.

Trauma Advocacy

PPS 1100-06, 1 hour, Fridays, 1:25-2:15 PM

Instructor: 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.

Poverty in Waco

PPS 1100-07, 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.

Law & Public Service

PPS 1100-09, 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.

Accompanying the Migrant in Waco

PPS 1100-11, 1 hour, Tuesdays 3:30-4:20 PM

Instructor: Eloisa Cruz Arrendondo, Inspiracion Waco

This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the journey of a Spanish-speaking person 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 person through reading, journaling, volunteering with La Puerta, and class discussions.

Wellness in Waco (EHUM)

PPS 1100-15, 1 hour, Mondays, 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.

Non-Profit Sports Ministry

PPS 1100-16, 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.

Community Gardening (EHUM)

PPS 1100-18, Tuesdays, 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Instructor: Grant Hall, World Hunger Relief Farm

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.

Introduction to Community Dentistry

PPS 1100-20, 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.

Community Family Medicine

PPS 1100-21, Wednesdays, 9:05-9:55 AM

Instructor: Dr. Rachel Rube, Waco Family Medicine

Students in this course learn about primary care (family medicine) with interactive engagement in various settings across the Waco community. Students will have experiential time volunteering/shadowing regularly in local clinics and ancillary health facilities to learn more intimately the inner workings of the outpatient healthcare network.

Learning for the World

PPS 1101-01, PPS 1101-02, and PPS 1101-03 1 hour, Tuesdays, 3:30-4:20 PM

Instructors:  Jennifer Good,  Baylor Office of Engaged Learning, Guilherme Almedia de Feitosa, Baylor Theatre, and Tammy Adair, 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. Instructor permission required. Must apply to and be accepted as a Baylor Engage Fellow to enroll.

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.

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.

Future Communities Lab

PPS 3V94

Instructor: Dustin Benac

This independent study course invites students to participate in the work of the Future Communities Lab (formerly called the Program for the Future Church) through mentored research. To enroll, contact Dr. Dustin Benac.