Courses

Creative Community Building Courses (3 credits each)
SPRING SEMESTER 2009 - January 20 to May 1, 2009

Note: If you are 62 or older, you can register on a space-available, non-credit basis through the Senior Citizen Audit program for $15/semester. For more information about the audit program, contact the Center for Continuing Studies at 860-486-4631.

GS3088-*91 (12969) BUILDING A COOPERATIVE ECONOMY: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES
Instructor: Erbin Crowell
Location: University of Connecticut-Storrs
Schedule: Wednesdays, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
This course is an introduction to the modern co-operative movement. Our goal is to acquaint students with the historical context and philosophical ideas that gave rise to co-operation, the evolution of co-operative enterprise, comparative models and practice, the relevance of the co-operative alternative to modern economic and social issues such as globalization, climate change and the housing crisis, and case studies in co-operative business.

“I learned that there really are other people who struggle and love to create in the face of skeptics in today’s world.” - Kaitlyn Newman, Creative Community Building Student, Fall 2008

GS3088-*90 (12956) CREATIVE DEMOCRACY AND COMMUNITY BUILDING
Instructor: Len Krimerman, Ph.D.
Location: University of Connecticut-Storrs
Schedule: Tuesdays, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
This course will focus in some detail on emerging models of Creative Democracy and Community Building, and will be co-taught by a team of veteran community-based practitioners. Among these models are: building a cooperative economy, the theory and practice of nonviolent social change, grassroots organizing for democratic social change, and the reinvention of democratic governance.

“I rediscovered my community and am beginning to think that this society is ready to change for the better.” - Robbie Steller, Creative Community Building Student, Fall 2008

GS3088-H90 (13065) CREATIVITY + SOCIAL CHANGE
Instructor: Steven Dahlberg
Location: University of Connecticut-Hartford
Schedule: Tuesdays, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
This course recognizes and practices the art of creative and critical thinking for the progressive development of both individuals and society. The emphasis in this course will be on exploring our creativity and understanding how our perceptions of ourselves and society not only construct social problems, but also can be re-imagined to invent new solutions.

“I gained so much inspiration that will drive me to use more creative approaches … to affect positive social change.” - Allyssa Milan, Creative Community Building Student, Fall 2008

GS3088-N68 (12923) NONVIOLENCE AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Instructor: Joanne Sheehan
Location: University of Connecticut-Avery Point
Schedule: Thursdays, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
In this class we will learn about the theory and practice of nonviolent social change. As a framework we will use Gandhi’s three elements of nonviolent social change: political action (grassroots people’s movements, nonviolent campaigns), constructive program (building a just, peaceful, sustainable society) and personal development (nonviolent lifestyle choices).

“I learned a lot about linking creativity to every aspect of my life, not just my artistic work.” - Amanda Stauble, Creative Community Building Student, Fall 2008

INTERNSHIPS IN CREATIVE COMMUNITY BUILDING
Instructor: Matthew Farley
For those interested in internship opportunities, the BGS/CCB degree now offers the chance to earn credit through volunteer projects within the community. Those seeking this opportunity should contact Matthew Farley by email or phone at 860-486-1165.

“I wonder if education in general can be transformed to resemble this course.” - Chris Grohs, Creative Community Building Student, Fall 2008

SPECIAL COURSE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH QUINEBAUG VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
HUM*298 HUMANITIES SEMINAR:  BUILDING CREATIVE COMMUNITIES
Instructor: Nan Hirst
Location: Quinebaug Valley Community College, Danielson, Connecticut
Schedule: Wednesdays, Daytime Seminar and 6:30 p.m. colloquium
Quinebaug Valley Community College (QVCC) is offering a 14-week public colloquium on “building creative communities.” This interdisciplinary colloquium grew out of collaboration with professor Len Krimerman, Steven Dahlberg and Katie Gregory of the Creative Community Building Program at the University of Connecticut. It starts January 21 at 6:30 p.m. and will focus on the many and diverse ways that groups of individuals have succeeded and failed in creatively and collaboratively seeking to use local resources, arts, culture and democratic processes in order to foster community, improve the cities and towns in which they live and work, and by extension, give rise to a lively and effective citizenry. The weekly series is free and open to the public, with an additional seminar session for enrolled students once a week on the QVCC campus in Danielson, Connecticut. NOTE: UConn students have several options for enrolling in this course, including: A) Directly enrolling with QVCC in the course and transferring the credit to UConn; or B) Taking this course as independent study through the Creative Community Building Program at UConn. Option A requires participation in the QVCC course seminar one day a week (and related assignments) and the public colloquium (in the evening). Option B requires participation in the public colloquium with additional independent reading and projects, working with a UConn adviser.

For more information about any of these courses, or to find out more about the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) emphasis in Creative Community Building, please call 860-486-0358 or email us.

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