Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone in the Health Science program has heard about or participated in the following course: HTH SCI 3DD3: Engaging the community. It sounds like an incredible interesting course. What is the course structure like and how are you evaluated?

Thanks.

Hi Miriam,

Here's the course description as it appears on LearnLink; it's from last year but I imagine that it would still be the same. Beyond this, I don't know much about the course, but you should contact Margaret Secord, the Course Facilitator (email below). Hope this helps!

“Engaging the City” is a community-based research course that is accepting applications
from 3rd year students in all faculties for Term 2 which begins in January 2010.

This course, which is offered by the Bachelor of Health Sciences
program, encourages all third- and fourth-year students from multiple
faculties to connect with community organizations in both theory and
practice. The intent of the course is to build relationships between
Hamilton and McMaster University, and for students to get involved
outside the "bubble" at MAC.

A key component of the course is to encourage students to develop an
understanding of the ethical dilemmas of community-based research in
practice. Research methodology is explored through the lens of poverty,
economy, environment, ethics, housing and disability, as it relates to
Hamilton. Students are encouraged to follow their interests and build
meaningful partnerships with organizations. The work they do can lead
to lasting change in the community.

Students start with us in their 3rd year, building relationships and
exploring current work of community organizations.
The key is to have students engage with community partners,
organizations and other Hamiltonians beyond the comfort of McMaster.
They venture on field trips, meet with organizations and discuss the city
from a variety of perspectives with a number of different people.
From there, with guidance and supervision from facilitators and
community partners, students develop a specific and unique research
project/thesis with their chosen organization for their fourth
undergraduate year. Some local organizations that are current partners include
Planning and Research Council of Hamilton, Golden Horseshoe
Biosciences Network, Community Living Hamilton,
Good Shepherd HOMES program, City Housing Hamilton, among others.

If you are interested in enrolling in the course, please send an email
to [email protected] link.mcmaster.ca for an application and instructions
about the registration process.