Community: Theory in Action

Abstract

Oftentimes, when we, scholars in the field of religion, think of community-engaged learning (or service-learning), we picture it outside the scope of our academic discipline and course curricula. Such community-based approach to learning is conceived normally within the confines of a field education or clinical pastoral education (CPE) requirement in Religious Education and Ministerial Studies. On both the undergraduate and graduate levels, community-engaged learning is sometimes deemed a “practical” and socially oriented course of study. At some institutions, community-engaged learning is thought of as a university-wide study-abroad opportunity, humanitarian project assignment, or work-study placement. Seldom is community-engaged learning integral to faculty members’ course curricula, regardless of the subject area.