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HANDS-ON
EXPERIENCE
HECUA works with you to design a substantive internship
that connects with program themes and meets your learning
goals. Field experiences, discussions of readings and
the internship are connected to give you skills for
civic engagement. Students also carry out an independent
or group study project on a topic of personal choice,
which includes hands-on field research.
A sampling of the internships available:
Center for Cross Cultural Health | Center for Neighborhoods
| Greater Frogtown Community Development Council | Institute
on Race and Poverty | Jane Addams School for Democracy
| H.E.R.E. Local 17 | Lyndale Neighborhood Association
| Metropolitan Council | Minnesota Advocates for Human
Rights | Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless | Public
Achievement | Resource Center of the Americas | South
Side Family School | Urban Coalition | Welfare Rights
Committee | Youth Farm and Market Project
THE SETTING
Minneapolis and St. Paul share a history as a hub of
economic activity and progressive social values. The
region’s vibrancy and emerging diversity make it
an ideal context for the study of issues facing the
nation’s urban centers. The area is home to major
multinational corporations and one of the liveliest
non-profit communities in the nation. Yet it faces increasing
problems stemming from the growing gap between rich
and poor. Forty-five percent of children in the “core”
of the Twin Cities live at or below the poverty line,
with an education learning gap that troubles policy
makers, parents and students.
Students convene at a central classroom location for
the Reading and Integration Seminars and on location
around the metro community for field seminars. Internship
sites are located across the Minneapolis/St. Paul urban
area and can be arranged on bus lines if necessary.
PROGRAM CREDIT
4 courses (equivalent to 16 semester hours or 27 trimester
credits).
The program is full-time. All students take these courses:
Reading Seminar
Field Seminar
Internship Placement and Seminar (equivalent to
2 courses)
COURSES
The Metro Urban Studies Term focuses on issues of poverty
and inequality and ways to address these critical issues.
You will explore key institutions that impact urban
poverty and inequality, namely the economy, housing
patterns, education and welfare. In addition issues
of urban sprawl, regional segregation and institutional
discrimination will be explored. Students are empowered
as they examine and utilize an array of strategies to
address inequality and rebuild the region more equitably.
You will develop practical skills in organizing and
gain valuable tools for social change.
You will spend two days per week in seminars with a
small group of students from a variety of schools. The
other three days are spent in an internship, a central
part of the program.
The learning happens through an exciting blend of internships,
field experiences and lively discussions with other
students in the program. In the field you will learn
from organizers, social justice advocates, policy makers
and discussions with members of different communities.
CENTRAL
QUESTIONS
•
What are the root causes of increasing levels of poverty?
• Why do poverty and inequality still exist?
• What can we do to change it?
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