The Detroit Initiative:

The BasicsQuotes from DI Students

Our Internships

Our CoursesFall Semester

Psychology 317 & American Culture 306: Community Research (4 credits)

This course covers research methodologies that are useful in learning with communities. These include needs assessment, analysis of census and other statistical information, evaluation of programs offered by community organizations, asset mapping, and surveys of community residents. Through readings, lectures, and discussion, the class considers what is involved in each of these methods and when each is appropriate for community study. Students use one of these methodologies to complete a research project in collaboration with an organization in Detroit. Results are communicated through a report to the organization. Requirements include readings, lectures, journal, research project, and an internship in Detroit.

DI classes are offered every fall, winter, spring and summer.

Each course has an internship component and fulfills the experiential lab requirement for all psychology majors.

Transportation is provided to the following internship sites in Detroit:

People’s Community Services

New St. Paul Tabernacle Head Start

Latino Family Services

826 Michigan

America Reads (Edward Ginsburg Center)

“It was amazing to see the impact we could have on kid’s lives. I

never thought I could impact a kid’s life like that until I took this course.”

“This course helped me realize that there are people who truly care

about helping others and empowering those who are less

fortunate. I also gained invaluable relationships with the children I was working with that I will never

forget.”

“This course would be good for students of any major, identity, or

background because every person in my class was able to bring

something unique to the experience.”

“I’d never worked closely with the elderly. I didn’t know what to expect. . . They taught me things not only

about their culture and impoverished living

circumstances, but universally about life and relationships and

acceptance.”

A Community Service Learning

Program in Psychology &

American Culture

Established in 1995 to increase the involvement

of students in the communities of Detroit.

Email our Faculty Coordinator: lorraing@umich.edu

Internships involve work with community-based

organizations on projects to improve the well-being of

children and families. Projects involve such

activities as community outreach, assisting in child care settings or summer

programs, and/or working in community education

projects. Internships are supervised by the instructor and program staff, and staff person at the community-

based organization. Transportation to Detroit is

provided.

For additional course information, contact our Faculty Coordinator, Lorraine Gutierrez at e-mail: lorraing@umich.edu

Or stop by the Detroit Initiative office at B002 East Hall

Or visit our website:http://sitemaker.umich.edu/detroit.initiative/home

Winter Semester

Psychology 319 & American Culture 319: Empowering Families and Communities (4 credits)

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of community psychology by focusing on the themes of empowerment and prevention. The influences of social context, racism, culture, and inequality in shaping behavior and attitudes in community settings are emphasized. Through readings, lectures, and simulations, students deepen their understanding of how families and communities function and how communities can be involved in program development and delivery. Requirements include readings, lectures, journal, research project. and an internship in Detroit.

Spring/Summer Semesters Psychology 325 & American Culture 321: Practicum in a Multicultural Community (3 credits)

This course is an experiential field course involving four hours per week in Detroit. . Classes focus on integrating theory with practice. Assignments include papers and an in class presentation.