Courses - Fall 2009
Creative Community Building Courses (3 credits each)
FALL SEMESTER 2009 - August 31 to December 18, 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.
“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
“I rediscovered my own creative being and passion for social justice and inciting change.” - Brittany O’Meara, Creative Community Building Student, Spring 2009
“This class has made it clear that there is no need for settling. I can create what is not there and I can be a force in this world without traditional (mind-numbing) corporative structures or economic drives.” - Kaylee Sawyer, Creative Community Building Student, Spring 2009
GS3088-*91 (13798) INTRODUCTION TO THE CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT: HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY & PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE [NOTE: This is a new ONLINE course!]
Instructor: Erbin Crowell
Location: Online
Schedule: Arranged
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.
Erbin Crowell has extensive experience in co-operative development. He has served as a co-op development specialist with CDI, president of the Co-operative Fund of New England, and a variety of roles at Equal Exchange. He’s currently completing a master’s in management program, focusing on management of co-operatives and credit unions.
“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
“I learned how to tackle large problems creatively to find different solutions, rather than sticking with the norm.” - Shadine Gibbs, Creative Community Building Student, Spring 2009
“This class is fantastic and I would very much like to do whatever I can to make sure classes like this continue. I really enjoyed hearing and discussing concrete strategy …. I feel much stronger intellectually, with a more comprehensive understanding of power dynamics, and how to change them.” - Jason Ortiz, Creative Community Building Student, Spring 2009
GS3088-H90 (13796) 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.
Steven Dahlberg heads the International Centre for Creativity and Imagination, which is dedicated to applying creativity to improve the well-being of individuals, organizations and communities. He is also the associate director of the Creative Community Building Program at the University of Connecticut.
“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
“I rediscovered that it’s okay to make mistakes and to take more risks.” - Kim Mitola, Creative Community Building Student, Spring 2009
“I am beginning to think that there is creativity in all of us. … I liked the interactive classroom environment.” - Alexis Rivera, Creative Community Building Student, Spring 2009
GS3088-H91 (13797) COMMUNITY ORGANIZING AND SOCIAL MOVEMENTS
Instructors: Deric Shannon and Saulo Colon
Location: University of Connecticut-Hartford
Schedule: Wednesdays, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Critically explore the question “Is another world possible?” (or, perhaps more accurately, are other worlds possible?). Investigate theoretical perspectives such as anarchism, Marxism, feminism, critical race theory, and queer theory and see how prominent thinkers have reacted to that question or re-framed it. Likewise, discover on-the-ground practices that attempt to enact new worlds in the here and now. Thus, a study of social movements and practices grounded in an ethic of solidarity and mutual aid will be examined in diverse and wide-ranging contexts.
Instructors’ bios coming soon.
“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
“I wonder if education in general can be transformed to resemble this course.” - Chris Grohs, Creative Community Building Student, Fall 2008
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.