Community Practicum (Thesis)

Unlike other graduate programs that require students to relocate to a campus, the Future Generations Graduate School requires that students be based within communities.

Core lessons are focused through 20 months of “clinical” field work and research within each student’s home community. To complete their community practicum project, each student must focus on a core research question that is a priority for their communities. Through the practicum, students transfer lessons to their communities for improved action and results.

Each term, one course is devoted to strengthening research skills for the practicum project. In addition, a faculty member with expertise in the student’s chosen topic mentors the student throughout program. Students are also encouraged to identify mentors and learning resources within their own countries.

Practica have focused on such topics as organic farming, fisheries and forestry management, peacebuilding among urban youth, and women’s health action groups.
A major benefit is that students learn to identify the learning resources that already exist within their communities and countries, thus supporting a process of lifelong learning beyond the textbook.

Student profiles and practica descriptions are available <here>.