Q & A with Provost Emerson on North Park鈥檚 Chicago Intensive
Chicago Intensive program part of University curriculum combining classroom and experiential learning
CHICAGO (October 21, 2016) 鈥� 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 is a semester-long urban experiential program with all classes and hands-on learning focused on the city of Chicago. Designed to foster learning in the context of relationships, students in the program share the same curriculum, with opportunities for group discussion and interaction.
Intended for students in their second year at 黑料吃瓜鈥攁fter they鈥檙e comfortable with the university experience, but before being fully immersed in their major classes鈥攖he program鈥檚 cohort serves and learns together. Courses address the urban context, students volunteer with community-based organizations across Chicago, and faculty facilitate firsthand exploration of the city.
The Chicago Intensive first ran as a pilot program last spring, continues this fall, and will expand next semester. Here, Provost shares his thoughts on the nature, history, and future of the program.
What was the thinking behind launching the Chicago Intensive?
I believe it鈥檚 important to find meaningful ways to engage North Park students with the world around them鈥攂ut also to bridge the gap between theory and practice. There鈥檚 plenty of valuable learning happening in the classroom, but with North Park situated in Chicago, it鈥檚 a terrific opportunity for students to get to know the city and our world on a much deeper level.
What is the Chicago Intensive concept?
The concept is likened to study abroad, where students have the opportunity to learn about something entirely new in a hands-on experiential learning format. The program taps into the city right here, and engages our students in a unique way not found in the classroom.
Will it take longer to complete my undergraduate degree?
The curriculum is designed to work in conjunction with meeting general education requirements, so there is no time lost in completing your degree.
What does the Chicago Intensive curriculum entail?
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the cohort takes classes together on campus. The curriculum is designed around best practices of educational goals鈥攂oth in-the-classroom academic and hands-on experiential learning鈥攁nd each course is focused in some way on Chicago. On Mondays and Fridays, the students spend time in their assigned nonprofit organizations, organizations striving for a better Chicago. On Wednesdays, the cohort travels together with their instructors to visit specific sites, and then spends time processing the experience and talking about how it all fits together.
Students have had hands-on learning experiences ranging from community-based organizations like urban gardening to business-oriented subject matter like visiting a downtown courtroom.
How does the Chicago Intensive tie into North Park鈥檚 Christian, urban, and intercultural mission and values?
The origin of the program is very much connected to our Christian tradition and commitment to intercultural community. Students engage the city not just through academics, but by serving its people through our ministries, and learning from the diverse people of Chicago.听The Chicago Intensive is designed to provide ample opportunities for students to focus on the meaning of living a life of significance and service.
What is behind North Park鈥檚 focus on students having a complete and fulfilling college experience?
Our faculty is here to teach and prepare the next generation. The student body is diverse, and as a society, we need to educate a broader base of students鈥攖he educators at 黑料吃瓜 are in tune with what鈥檚 needed for a thriving society, and recognize that the status quo of only educating the elite is something we need to be active in demystifying.
What type of student will get the most out of the Chicago Intensive?
Students who are motivated by justice and making the world a better place. We鈥檙e here to teach and support students in being part of a team to make a real difference.
Why is North Park investing in this program, without a tuition increase?
We care deeply about our students and their success and are always looking for ways to provide our students the highest quality comprehensive college experience, expanding academics, faith, and exposure to hands-on learning off-campus. Our Christian values are rooted in making a high-quality education accessible to a student body made up of diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Because Chicago is a world-class city, our students will benefit greatly from understanding it and learning from it. They will be prepared for today鈥檚 global world.
Given your background as an urban sociologist, what are your thoughts on how living and working in a major metropolitan city influences a career?
Studies have shown that students who have their first job in large cities like Chicago鈥攔egardless of their actual job or title鈥攔ise up the ranks faster, are promoted more often, and earn a higher wage. This is because the best and brightest are attracted to global cities, and they are the sites of the world鈥檚 innovation, creativity, and inventions.听 Rubbing shoulders with such people and organizations benefits students for a lifetime.
How far back do North Park鈥檚 roots go to being in a major metropolitan city?
North Park just celebrated its . Over the years, the University was offered land outside the city, but the decision was made in 1980 to stay in our original urban location. This decision was thoughtful and deliberate, as North Park鈥檚 identity as an Christian, urban, and intercultural institution has remained consistent鈥攕tudents and graduates develop real connections with the city, the people around them, opportunities for career growth, and opportunities for truly rich, meaningful lives in service to others.
How is being in a cohort part of the Chicago Intensive experience?
In a cohort, you learn from one another鈥檚 strengths, and in the same way, students get to role model their strengths鈥攊t鈥檚 a win-win where students serve as leader and learner. And together, the cohort works to problem-solve, a valuable skill, transferable as students and graduates pursue their career paths.
How does the Chicago Intensive contribute toward growing Illinois鈥檚 workforce and building an engaged citizenry?
Participating in the Chicago Intensive is engaging in nature, where students are exposed to the complexities of community-related and real business issues, requiring creative thinking, problem solving, and polished communication skills to work together in a team environment. The hope and goal is for students to form relationships within the community, build a connection to Chicago, and find good and meaningful careers and vocations.
What faculty members are leading the program?
, professor of mathematics, and , Urban Outreach coordinator with University Ministries, launched and lead the Chicago Intensive and continue to monitor learning best practices.
To learn more about 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 Chicago Intensive, please contact Dr. Ankney at rankney@northpark.edu, or Rev. Kohng at听rkohng@northpark.edu.
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CHICAGO (September 19, 2016) 鈥� The 黑料吃瓜 community gathered in Anderson Chapel Monday, September 19, for its University Convocation, an annual ceremony honoring the achievements of faculty and staff.