Impacting Social Change Through Service Learning in an Introductory Leadership Course Open Access

Astin and Astin (2000), W.K. Kellogg Foundation, note “leadership occurs when people become concerned about something and work to engage others in bringing about positive change” (p. 23). At the University of Arizona we have taken that philosophy and integrated it into every component of our course to help students learn about and engage in the social change process. In addition to course curriculum, readings, and classroom activities that expose students to the social change process, students are asked to complete a semester-long team Social Change Project using the social change process dealing with a social issue facing an underrepresented or oppressed group. This project challenges students to recognize the role of leadership in creating social change, giving students a context within which they can apply leadership concepts learned. It has made a lasting impact that some students note as being their most meaningful experience in college.