Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 25/26.R.2.00

Description Period: 2025./26 academic year rudens semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Civic Engagement and Extracurricular Activities

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
SZF_217
Branch of Science
Other social sciences
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Business Management; Communication Science; Information and Communication Science; Law; Marketing and Advertising; Political Science
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Lāsma Šķestere
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts

Kuldigas Street 9C, Riga

About Study Course

Objective

The aim of the course is to promote the involvement of the student in extracurricular activities, which contribute to the academic performance of personal growth, civic participation and strengthening the image of Rīga Stradiņš University at national and international level. The course offers the opportunity to obtain ECTS credit points for activities that reflect the student’s active participation in public processes, representing RSU interests.

Activity accounting principles:

  • To obtain 3 ECTS, 75 astronomical hours of activity must be performed;
  • Activities may be accumulated gradually during the entire study period from 1st semester to the pre-competitive semester of studies;
  • The choice of course completion must be made during the pre-trial semester of the study, recognising that information on the amount of hours required for completion of the course will have to be submitted in a timely manner and that an alternative choice of part B course will no longer be possible during the last semester;
  • Documentation (including reflection) on activities shall be submitted no later than week 10 of the last semester (information in e-studies shall be followed).

Preliminary Knowledge

Optional.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.• Understanding and representation of the corporate identity of the institution of higher education • Knowledge of effective communication across lecture theatres • Knowledge of the importance of civic participation • Understanding international cooperation

Skills

1.• Presentation and public speaking skills • Teamwork and collaboration skills • Time planning and organisational skills • Communication skills in different social and professional environments • Problem-solving and decision-making skills • Skills behind project management and implementation

Competences

1.• Understanding civil rights and obligations • Civic engagement and capacity in the local community • Community engagement at local and national level • Cooperation at local and international level • Engaging in international activities • Communication and publicity • Digital content creation

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Report on progress
-
Test
  • 15 attendance of guest lectures, seminars, discussions, conferences – 1 ECTS;
  • Promotion of SRF programmes, e.g. participation in recruitment activities for young students (exhibition ’School’, RSU messenger programme, lamp, etc.) – for every 25 h – 1 ECTS;
  • Work as a volunteer/- am (25 h) at one of the events organised by RSU (conferences, workshops, discussions, RSU career and wellbeing Centre events and IG activities) – 1 ECTS;
  • Preparation and publication of popular scientific publications on topics relevant to the social sciences sectors on social media or leading news portals (Delfi.lv, Tvnet.lv, etc.) – 1 ECTS;
  • Participation in hackathon - 1 ECTS;
  • Participation in RSU B-Space pre- incubation (PINK) or equivalent programme in terms of volume - 1
  • active political activity of ECTS - for example participation in local government, Saeima or EP elections (inclusion in electoral lists and pre-election activities implemented) - 1 participation of ECTS
  • in the youth Saeima (election) - 1 ECTS;
  • Participation in the work simulation of the EU Parliament – 2 ECTS;
  • Participation in RSU incubation (INK) programme or in a volume-equivalent incubation programme of business ideas - 2 ECTS
  • participation in an international scientific conference with a report - 2 ECTS;
  • Participation in the play-out of courts (written and oral part) and in the preparatory work of the play-out of courts – 2 ECTS;
  • Publication of the Article on behalf of the lawyer or in another legal Gazette – 2 ECTS;
  • Participation in national and international debate tournaments – 2 ECTS;
  • Participation and awards in international industry-related competitions – 2 ECTS;
  • Participation in RSU student Union and/or International Department mentor programmes * as a mentor – 1 ECTS.
  • Other activities (prior co-ordination with programme group leader).

* mentor system RSU is a voluntary option organised by two structural units RSU: International Department of Communications and RSU student Union (in Latvian and English). Every student after the first year of study can be a mentor, it can also be done repeatedly. Mentor can have up to 5 mentors and must undergo tutorials organized by the International Department of Communications and Student Union. During the semester, the mentor supports young students and organises meetings, answers various questions.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Final test
-
10 points

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Test

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Student as university messenger: civic participation and RSU image-making
Public activity as a growth resource: personal development through engagement
University in society: representation and social responsibility of RSU
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
0 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Oral)
PART-TIME
Part 1

  1. Test

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Student as university messenger: civic participation and RSU image-making
Public activity as a growth resource: personal development through engagement
University in society: representation and social responsibility of RSU
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
0 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Oral)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Jacoby, B. (2009). Civic Engagement in Higher Education: Concepts and Practices. Jossey-Bass. (akcpetējams avots)Suitable for English stream

2.

Dache, A., Quaye, S. J., Linder, C., & McGuire, K. M. (2019). Rise up!: Activism as education (Perspectives on Access, Equity, and Diversifying Pathways in P-20 Education). Michigan State University Press.Suitable for English stream

3.

McCartney, A. R. M., Bennion, E. A., & Simpson, D. (Eds.). (2013). Teaching civic engagement: From student to active citizen. American Political Science Association. (akcpetējams avots)Suitable for English stream

Additional Reading

1.

Hogan, J. M., Andrews, P. H., Andrews, J. R., & Williams, G. (2016). Public speaking and civic engagement (4th ed., Books à la Carte ed.). Pearson.Suitable for English stream