Summer 2023
Online, Mid-August until Mid-September
Tuesday/Thursday 1:00-3:00 or 4:00-6:00 PM (Pacific)
During this two-unit course, Seattle University faculty from multiple academic disciplines will explore some of the biggest issues facing Seattle and our nation. Whether you’ve grown up in Seattle or have never visited, this course will provide a unique and provocative exploration of Seattle’s many contradictions.
Through the course you’ll also learn about the progressive and innovative ways that Seattle is facing its challenges, hear from current students engaged with local non-profit organizations, businesses and schools, and find out how you can get involved. You’ll learn from several faculty experts and get to know your faculty section leader in more depth. Finally, through discussions with your peers from across the country, you’ll start getting to know both your classmates and the fascinating place you will soon call home.
Students enrolled will meet online for eight sessions in late summer (mid August/mid September). All students who have confirmed their enrollment at Seattle U by May 1 will be sent more information and instructions for how to register in early June. Space is limited!
Find our more about this course by viewing this video:
The issues and challenges addressed in this course include:
The learning objectives for each student to achieve by the completion of this course are to:
There will be no letter grade for this course. This is a credit/fail course. To receive the two credits for this course you will need to:
Questions? See the FAQ below or contact core@seattleu.edu with subject line Engaging Seattle.
What does it cost to participate? The course is free for all registered incoming undergraduate students. In addition, all readings and other materials will be provided for free.
What do I need in order to participate? Students will need access to the internet for course materials and to participate in discussion groups for the summer sessions.
When does the course start and end? The course begins the week of August 14 and concludes the week of Sept. 3.
Will I earn college credit for this course? Yes! This course is worth 2.0 credits towards the 180 required for graduation. To receive the two credits for this course, you will need to complete all course assignments and participate in the full course. The course does not fulfill any Core or major requirements.
How is the course graded? There is no letter grade for the course. Students who satisfy course expectations, including completion of all assignments and participation in discussions, will receive two elective credits. These will appear on your transcription as “CR.” CR credits do not affect your GPA.
When will the credits appear on my transcript? Credits will appear at the end of Fall Quarter 2022.
What is covered? This course will introduce some of the biggest issues and contradictions facing Seattle in the areas of environmental justice, technology, homelessness, health, education, food security, and the arts. You will explore contradictions between flourishing communities and persistent inequity against the backdrop of Covid-19 and the social movements that are occurring in our country and across the globe. While course materials will focus primarily on issues and contradictions facing Seattle, you’ll also have the opportunity to consider these topics in the context of your home community and in the nation.
Are all students together in one big course? No, each student will be placed into a course section taught by a Seattle University faculty member.
What is the size of the course sections? Course sections will be no larger than 25 students.
What will the course sessions be like? Course sessions will include short lectures from your faculty instructor, small group discussions and activities, large group discussions, and conversations with a current Seattle University student peer mentor.
How much time will I spend on homework and assignments? You should plan to spend about 4 hours per week preparing for class, completing course assignments, and participating in discussion boards.
What will I learn? Upon completion of the course you will be able to:
Who are the instructors teaching the course? Faculty members from Biology, Communication, English, Spanish, Matteo Ricci and more will teach the course, each bringing their own disciplinary perspective to the conversation. Find out more about the faculty by visiting here and here!