SOCI 293 - Food Insecurity in the City: An Intensive Research Undertaking in Poughkeepsie

Semester Offered: Fall and Spring
0.5 unit(s)

Learn more about the people, neighborhoods, social conditions and social assistance organizations in Poughkeepsie by helping Dutchess Outreach conduct its household food insecurity survey to city residents. In this independent study, you’ll join community volunteers from the city and its educational institutions (Dutchess Community College, Marist, et al.) in administering a Vassar faculty-supervised, IRB-approved survey to selected households about their food acquisition, food security, and participation in social programs. In the process, you explore the city’s many neighborhoods, meet local residents and volunteers, gain practical experience in survey administration, and contribute to a major local effort in community problem-solving.

This half-unit intensive involves weekly participation on Saturdays from 9:30am to approximately 2pm — the time that Dutchess Outreach has scheduled for “survey day” training and administration by community volunteers. Professor Nevarez will also meet on campus with students (weekly time and room TBA) to supplement their academic experience through post-survey debriefing, written memos, and assigned readings. Leonard Nevarez.

First six-week course in the Fall; second six-week course in the Spring.