Published in:
Annals of Anthropological Practice, 40 (2016) 2, Seite 230-245
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1111/napa.12104
ISSN:
2153-957X;
2153-9588
Origination:
Footnote:
Description:
Service learning combines classroom instruction with meaningful community service. This article presents a project grounded in this concept that developed in a graduate‐level Applied Cultural Anthropology class to provide students the opportunity to learn by applying textbook information and anthropological methods to real world issues. Anthropology students researched elementary school children's concept of the future of their community. This article documents those perspectives. Graduate students visited local elementary schools and interviewed fourth graders, asking them to reflect on their city, design an ideal future community, and portray these in artwork. The project focuses on initiated change and encourages community engagement and partnerships between schools, higher education, and various community members. Outcomes include a coloring book, an illustrated report, and an instruction manual for conducting similar projects. Anthropology students benefitted in numerous ways, including a better understanding of applied anthropology and methodology as well as knowledge and experience.