Syllabus for first year college students - "So, you want to change the world?"

In Fall, 2022, I taught a course for 1st year students called "So, You Want to Change the World?". I relied on a web app called Cliovis for the major assignment, for which sections were staggered throughout the semester. Cliovis is a visual timeline developed by a history professor. The objective was to help students understand the roots and complexity of an issue that they chose to focus on. I sorted them into groups and while the group had to coordinate their contributions to the timeline, I graded everyone individually (which students appreciated, but also led to some students making less of an effort to collaborate.

I've attached the syllabus, but I'm also including a visual of a timeline created by one group of students. I have ppts for each class section, as well, and am happy to share them.

I'm also attaching a screenshot of a timeline. Each bubble has a pop-up window where students can leave details on the entry.

Here are some comments from the final paper which asked students to reflection what they learned:

• I am very grateful for this class and project and the many ways it has helped me expand my view of many social issues and become aware of how to get involved and become a part of the solution.
• Social Work 100 didn’t feel like another boring class that I was forced to take on the pathway to my degree, but rather, I looked forward to attending lecture because I walked out every Tuesday and Thursday with new knowledge about pressing topics and issues occurring in the world today.
• I believe this course has not only opened my eyes, but also improved myself as a person and sparked a greater interest to dig deeper into issues that I have noticed and taken an interest to resolve for good.
• Overall, both the timeline assignment and the lectures in class helped reshape the manner in which I approach complex societal issues. I learned how to combat my own false assumptions with critical thinking along with the best ways to suggest solutions towards these complicated problems. I plan on taking this knowledge beyond this course and into both the rest of my academic career and my life outside of academics
• This class has certainly broadened my horizons and allowed me to see the world and all of its’ imperfection for what it is, which I am grateful for.

• This course has taught me to be aware of the many inequalities our society faces and look for ways to improve them to create a more sustainable society and future.

• I feel like a more knowledgeable and mature person with the information about these real world issues.