Theory Practice Learning Course Definitions

Definitions for Emory College TPL Courses

A course may be considered a TPL course if it includes one or more of the following:

All definitions are assumed applicable to the Social Sciences, Sciences, and Humanities,
though certain descriptors may be more appropriate to certain fields and classes.

1.For the Humanities and Social Sciences, at least one hour per week of actual practice ofcourse theories and/or methods, as well as regular in-class time dedicated to discussing how these experiences relate to specified course topics.Practical sessions must include one of the following: collecting dataoutside the classroom; analyzing data using course methods; physicalactivity related to course topics; leading others from settings outside the class in related activities; or other non-classroom activities that provide
direct, hands-on practice for students.

2.For the Social Sciences, courses integrating community-based research and/or service, including attention to questions of political process organization, social movements and analyses, and community development. Use of any of the following is suggested: case studies, statistical analyses, discussions of public-private partnerships,and issues about the dynamics of regional and political economies, social, racial, ethnic,and gender-identified groups, and institutional and organizational landscapes and functions.

3.For the Sciences, laboratory courses meeting only in a laboratory setting or courses during which the class is taught regularly in the laboratory, as well as regular in-class time dedicated to discussing specific dynamics of theory and practice as related to specified course topics. These courses should spend significant time focusing on reflective processes and the social impact of course topics.

4.Any course including a series of two or more short or one-day field trips involving substantive, on-site work related to course materials,as well as subsequent in-class time dedicated to discussing how the experiences relate to specified course topics.

5.Any course including a field trip, extensive field work, or retreat lasting two or more days involving substantive, on-site study or work related to specified course topics, with subsequent in-class time dedicated to discussing how the experiences relate to specified course topics.

6.Any course requiring regularly scheduled service, tutoring, mentoring, or research with non-Emory groups and locations, as well as subsequent in-class time dedicated to discussing how the experiences relate to specified course topics.

7.Any internship attended at least weekly, as well as regular in class time dedicated to reflection and discussion with others about the experiences in the internship placement as specifically related to assigned readings, specified course topics, and life decisions.