Medical Spanish 319: A Service Learning Course
In this course, undergraduates gain the linguistic and cultural tools necessary to facilitate communication between Spanish and English speakers in the health care system. Students work at several different community agencies, schools and justice projects in the Madison area. They journal throughout the semester documenting their volunteer work. They attend class as well in order to process their experiences and acquire the vocabulary and grammar skills necessary to carry this out. Throughout all activities, students work to improve their speaking and writing skills and become more knowledgeable about issues related to language barriers in the health care and social service systems.
Outcomes
Many students learn a great deal while working in the community and experience improved Spanish skills after finishing the course. Students have reported feeling useful to the community and more confident in their Spanish language skills. Also, students said they learn about the needs of people in health care and feel better equipped to enter their profession because they are more culturally knowledgeable.
Focus Areas
Project Leader
Anna Gemrich
Instuctional Professor
- Department/Unit
- Spanish and Portuguese
- School or College
- College of Letters & Science