Course Information
Course Name and CRN: 12444 Honors, 12443 Standard, DI 49099: Hands of Gratitude-Dominican Republic
Number of Credit Hours: 3
KSU Sponsoring College: Design Innovation
Course Description: In this course, students will explore topics of human-centered design and social entrepreneurship by/while immersing themselves in the culture of the Dominican Republic. Students will build relationships with the local community by working with Hands of Gratitude, a nonprofit organization that provides 3D-printed prosthetic hands to people in need all around the world. This service-learning trip will empower students to become active global citizens who can impact the world meaningfully through empathy, innovation, and cultural understanding.
Prior to traveling, students will focus on the production of prosthetic hands for distribution in the Dominican Republic. There they will connect with recipients and their families at the Centro de Protesis to understand their unique needs and stories. This experience, along with visits to industry and cultural sites, will enable students to deepen their understanding not only of Dominican culture, but also social entrepreneurship and global health issues.
Upon return, students will work further with Hands of Gratitude to engage in a challenge-based innovation experience. Using design innovation strategies, students will work in teams to engage in meaningful problem-solving to/and further develop a sense of social responsibility and commitment to sustainable, positive change.
Course Language of Instruction: English
Faculty Contact Information
Program Contact Name: Shannon Hines
Title: Manager DI Makerspaces
Email: shines@kent.edu
Phone: 330-672-3715
AND
Program Contact Name: Sarah McMahon
Title: Outreach Program Officer
Email: smcmaho8@kent.edu
Phone: 330-672-2946
Eligibility
- All majors are welcome
- 2.0 minimum GPA
