COMM 157SL - Community Action & Service

Overview

COMM 157SL is a unique and transformative course that combines traditional classroom learning with a community service component.

Taking this 3-unit course requires students to complete 48 hours of community service in addition to the regular COMM 157SL coursework.

COMM 157SL doublecounts for both the SJSU GE Area S requirement and the COMM Applied Activity requirement.

Prerequisites

• Passage of the Writing Skills Test (WST) or ENGL/LLD 100A with a C or better (C- not accepted)
• Upper-division standing

FAQ

• What is service learning?
  • Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich learning experiences, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities. (Definition from the SJSU Office of Undergraduate Education)
• What are the benefits of doing service learning?
  • There are many benefits to doing service learning. Service learning allows you, as students, to learn through hands-on opportunities that enrich your learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. Service learning is also a valuable asset in your professional career. Volunteer and community service experience is often desired when applying to professional jobs, internships, scholarships, grants, and other opportunities. Service learning can expand your skillset and grant you desirable, marketable skills in addition to expanding your communication knowledge.
• Does COMM 157SL apply towards the COMM Applied Activity requirement?
  • Yes. If you successfully complete 157SL then you will fulfill both the COMM Applied Activity requirement and the SJSU GE Area S requirement.
• Can I do something besides 157SL to fulfill the COMM Applied Activity requirement?
  • Yes.There are several different options for completing the COMM 198 requirement, with COMM 157SL being just one option. 
• How many hours of community service do 157SL students complete?
  • All 157SL students must complete 48 hours of service over the semester.
• Which sites do 157SL students serve at?
  • All 157SL students will be placed at one of our vetted partner sites. In any given semester, there will be between 3-6 partner sites to choose from.  All 157SL partner sites are located within a few miles of SJSU and serve community members within the immediate vicinity.
• Do I have to serve at a 157SL partner site?
  • Yes. All 157SL students must serve at one of our 157SL partner sites. Serving at a non-157SL site is not an option.
• What if I really want to do community service at a non-157SL site?
  • If you want to do community service at a non-157SL site, and you wish to earn course credit (i.e. units) for that service, then consider doing it as part of another academic program, such as the COMM Internship Program.
• I see that COMM 157SL runs from 3:00-5:45 PM. Do I have be in class for that whole period?
  • Yes. All students enrolled in 157SL are expected to be in class for the entire period. Missing all or even part of a class session will negatively impact a student's grade. This is because in-class sessions involve activities that count towards the final grade.  If you have scheduling constraints that you know will prevent you from attending class sessions, then it's best not to enroll in 157SL.
• I have scheduling constraints that will make it hard for me be in the 157SL class session each week. What should I do?
  • Missing all or even part of a class session will negatively impact a student's grade. This is because in-class sessions involve activities that count towards the final grade.  If you have scheduling constraints that you know will prevent you from attending class sessions, then it's best not to enroll in 157SL.
• Can I take COMM 157SL during Summer or Winter semester?
  • No. 157SL is offered in Fall and Spring only.
• I have questions about 157SL that are not covered here.
  • No problem! Simply email the course coordinator and/or drop by office hours at your earliest convenience, no appointment needed.