INT 201: Building Community

The second course in the INT sequence, ‘Building Community,’ continues the traditions of INT 101: small discussion-based classes (18 students, maximum) in which writing-instruction is interwoven with study of a topic through the works of writers, thinkers, artists and scholars. The broad topic for this sophomore level course is community – how communities are formed, cultivated or threatened, and the role citizens play in preserving public good in communities and nations. Many sections of INT 201 enrich the course by giving students direct community experience through service learning.

Recent sections of INT 201 have focused on issues such as poverty, criminal justice, animal rights, homelessness, and how parks can build community. Service learning experiences include tutoring in Bibb County schools, working with animal shelters and rescue organizations, volunteering at a day center for the homeless, and helping to renovate and maintain Tattnall Square Park.

Based on course evaluations, INT 201 can boast about its teachers and about students’ learning experiences. Students repeatedly say that their teacher was the best professor that they have ever had. Here is a sampling of more specific comments:

• This class has opened my mind to the community that we live in like no other. It’s one of those classes that influence you and make you want to make a difference in the lives around you.
• I absolutely enjoyed all of the writing assignments, as they made me think outside of the box and develop a “why” for my reasoning.
• I think I learned about a lot of things that are really important about life from [my professor]. Not just facts, or how to write better, but how to live a life that’s worth living. It was an amazing experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.