Spring 2027 PPS Courses
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 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 1100-13, 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: Staff
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, 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. 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 Law Enforcement
PPS 1102, 1 hour, Wednesdays, 10:10-11:00 AM
Instructor: Robert Lanning, Waco Police Department (Retired)
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 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 & Mark Richards, 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.
Future Communities Research Lab
PPS 4v94 (undergraduate) or SIC 5V98 (graduate), Variable Hours, guided research
Instructor: Dr. Dustin Benac & Dr. Rory Jones, Baylor Office of Engaged Learning
The Future Communities Research Lab conducts contextual research and develops resources alongside communities to advance scholarship and enrich local practice. Lab members join an active research community rather than a conventional seminar: you will work on live projects, with real partners, on timelines shared with community collaborators and external stakeholders. To enroll, contact Dr. Dustin Benac.