COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT THROUGH THE ARTS SYLLABUS AND CLASS SCHEDULE
Winter 2024
RCHUMS 341.001 & AMCULT 311.010
Tuesdays 10:00 AM - 12:50 PM
4 Credits
East Quad B423 Green Room
Instructor
Deb Gordon-Gurfinkel
dmgordon@umich.edu
734-649-3118
RC Office 1801
Office Hours: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Course Description
How can the expressive arts triage the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other stressors on children and teens living in systemically under-served communities in Washtenaw County? This Engaged Learning course will focus on how the expressive arts are applied as a healing tool in response to the traumas that may have been experienced by school-age youth, whilst recognizing their resilience and strength. Students are offered opportunities to engage with children and youth through an internship with the community-based program, Telling It. Including travel time, you will need to budget 3-4 hours for your internship. Carpooling and CEAL cars are available.
In class and in community, students will learn how expressive art forms and artists apply their disciplines using racially and culturally respectful and sensitive pedagogies. They will examine the impact of traumatic circumstances and events on the healthy development of the brain and body and their amelioration using age-appropriate methods that are playful, creative and pay attention to healing and social emotional learning.
*Please note: There will be a mandatory training on Saturday, January 27, 11-4pm in room 1405 in the RC, East Quad. Lunch provided by Palm Palace.
ADVANCED PRACTICE IN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THROUGH THE ARTS SYLLABUS AND CLASS SCHEDULE
Winter 2024
RCCORE 334.001
Thursdays 9:00 AM - 10:50 AM
2 Credit Mini Course
East Quad B423 Green Room
Instructors
Deb Gordon-Gurfinkel
dmgordon@umich.edu
734-649-3118
RC Office 1801
Course Description
This mini course is open to all students that are dedicated to deepening knowledge, practice and leadership techniques in expressive arts modalities serving young people in the community. Focusing on healing-centered (trauma-informed) practices, direct experience, workshop curriculum development and facilitation skills. Students are offered opportunities to engage with children and youth in Ypsilanti through an internship with the community-based program, Telling It. Including travel time, you will need to budget 3-4 hours per week for your internship.