Long-term community partnerships allow faculty members and community organizations to develop relationships and build trust. As a result, courses can be designed that meet both the pedagogical goals of Amherst College faculty and a need articulated by a community partner.
Examples:
- AMST-351 / HIST-351The Immigrant City - A history of urban America in the industrial era, this course, taught by Prof. Francis Couvares, focuses especially on the city of Holyoke as a site of industrialization, immigration, urban development, and deindustrialization. The course includes students from Amherst College and Holyoke Community College. Students engage in primary research in the city archives and Wistariahurst Museum in Holyoke. (Partnerships with Holyoke Community College, Holyoke Public Library, and Wistariahurst Museum)
- ENGL-120 Reading, Writing, and Teaching - This course, taught by Prof. Benigno Sanchez-Eppler, considers from many perspectives what it means to read and write and learn and teach both for ourselves and for others. As part of the work of this course, in addition to the usual class hours, students will serve as weekly tutors and classroom assistants in adult basic education centers in nearby towns. (Partnership with Holyoke Community College Adult Learning Center)
- POSC-135 Justice - This course, taught by Prof. Kristin Bumiller, explores the meaning of justice and its realization in everyday life. This course is conducted inside a correctional facility and enrolls an equal number of Amherst students and residents of the facility. (Partnership with Hampshire County Jail and House of Correction)