CEE 4611-001

Civil Engineering Service Learning

Instructors:  David W. Dinehart and Shawn P. Gross

TRIP WEBSITE (with updates from Honduras)

1. Participate in a service activity related to Engineering.

2. Develop an understanding of another culture.

3. Effectively communicate, in written and verbal form, the outcomes of the service experience.

Course Description: This new service-learning course is an outgrowth of the spring semester Senior Capstone Design Project in Structural Engineering. For the past four years in that course, students have worked on various structural designs for a Catholic orphanage in Honduras, and a portion of the class (typically about five students) has traveled to Honduras with the professors and three or four CE juniors on an associated mission trip over Spring Break in which they work on the construction of those designs. The mission trip is co-sponsored by the department, college, and Campus Ministry, and incorporates all aspects of a service learning experience (preparation, service, reflection, and celebration). Work for the construction aspects of the project in Honduras will focus on building the roof and supporting system (columns and beams).

Requirements: Attendance is required at all class meetings. Everyone is expected to aid in the fund raising process. You are required to keep a personal journal. You will be given a journal with a few specific entries which are to be made prior to and after the trip. Daily entries are required while in Honduras to prepare for nightly reflection. The specific entries are meant to be a starting point for your journal and to aid you in recording and reflecting on your experiences. These journals are personal and can only be shared with others with your permission.

All students will be required to conduct background research on Honduras. The research will be conducted by groups of students and will focus on a specific area of Honduran culture. All students are required to travel to Honduras, and share your experience during reflections. You are also encouraged to share your experiences with your families, friends, and classmates. You will work in groups after the trip to develop two poster presentations focusing on your service work and trip outcomes. These posters will be displayed and presented at CEE Day, Friday April 23th.

Grading: This class will be graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. Your grade will be based on your participation in all aspects of the requirements outlined above.

CEE Day Posters:  Service Learning and Construction Aspects