UMass Amherst

Dean's Book Course CSL

Finding Connections

Dean's Book Course t exts are chosen, in part at least, for the issues they raise: issues about education, economics, racial identity, religious tolerance, etc. Relevant issues become the subject of discussion, research, and other coursework.

Making a Difference

CSL sections of the Dean's Book Course (Honors 291R and 391S) connect coursework to community service. In addition to the Dean’s Book Course curriculum, students complete 20 hours of community service in organizations located in Holyoke, Massachusetts that are devoted to real-life issues raised in the text. In class, time is given to reflecting upon the service performed and discussing how it relates to the books.

The courses

CSL sections are a semester long and carry 3 credits. Students read two books -- the text chosen for regular DBC sections and a second book, chosen by the instructor.
Honors 291R fulfills the first two levels of the Dean's Book Course (Honors 191D and 291D) and follows the curricula for those two levels. It is open to second-semester freshmen and above. ( Schedule )
Honors 391S fulfills the second two levels (Honors 291D and 391D), follows the curricula for those levels, and is open to students with sophomore, junior, or senior status. (Schedule)

Registration for both CSL sections is through the Office of Community Service Learning in 610 Goodell.