Service-Learning Definition

Consistent with the special mission at Cal State L.A. to provide an educational experience that recognizes and takes full advantage of diversity while emphasizing the knowledge, experience and ethical concerns common to all people, service learning at California State University, Los Angeles

• is a teaching and learning strategy that provides students with organized and meaningful learning experience outside the classroom designed to enhance their understanding of information, knowledge and theoretical principles shared in the classroom;
• is also defined as a pedagogical model that links course content with a community service component that is designed to address the needs identified by the community whether local or global; and
• has, as an integral component, the use of reflective activities intended to integrate course content and skills and knowledge with community involvement and to develop or strengthen students’ commitment to social responsibility and civic engagement.

Sections of the following courses offer service-learning opportunities. Please consult department/division/school for course offerings.