Assessment

Continuous Assessment 100%

Module Aims

The aim of this module is to integrate theological reflection with the experience of community service. It offers academic credit in recognition of volunteering, community service and mission outreach. This module therefore enables learners to acquire a range of transferable skills required of university graduates. It provides an opportunity for: reflective practice by a student; further reading on the community needs being addressed in the service; theological insights to be brought to bear , and articulation and communication of the experience. A student is free to propose a service-project; but it can only be permitted in consultation with the Registrar and/or Dean and the Module Coordinator.  This module is also available to second year students who undertake a summer experience abroad. While the summer experience must be taken before third year, the credit will be assigned in third year. 

Indicative Syllabus

• Student must register with Volunteer organisation

• Complete 50 hours minimum of voluntary service

• Achieve endorsement from the voluntary organisation

• Carry out any relevant legal operations needed to perform the voluntary duty such as Child Protection course, Garda Vetting and any other training required.

• Attend seminars with lecturer on preassigned reading

• Present the learning outcomes to peers

Learning Outcomes

• —  Demonstrate commitment to a sustained participation in voluntary activity
• — Connect the issues, policies, and problems associated with the subject of community service to theological insights, particularly those of Catholic Social Teaching 
• — Reflect on the skills gained and articulate clearly on how the experience in a community and/or volunteer setting has contributed to their personal and professional development
• — Demonstrate appropriate skills for collaborative work and team-building, evidenced through working within a placement to meet the group aims and goals
• — Compile a personal portfolio with evidence of their community participation and a reflective commentary on the process and outcomes of that learning experience
• — Communicate effectively in a structured manner.

Bibliography

• — Hedley, R. and Davis Smith, J. (Eds.) (1992) Volunteering and Society: Principles and Practice. London: NCVO, 1992.
• — McCurley, S., Lynch, R. and Jackson, R. The Complete Volunteer Management Handbook. London: Directory for Social Change.
• — Rochester, C. Rediscovering Voluntary Action: The beat of a different drum. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2013.
• — Rochester, C., Ellis Paine, A. and Howlett, S. Volunteering and Society in the 21st Century. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011.
• — Corkery, Pádraig. Companion to the Compendium. Dublin: Veritas, 2007.
• — Dorr, Donal. Option for the Poor and for the Earth: From Leo XIII to Pope Francis Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2012.
• — Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Compendium of Catholic Social Doctrine. Rome: Vatican Press, 2004.