Changemakers Lab

Description

Changemakers Lab immerses students in a structured experiential-learning environment that transforms abstract social-science theory into hands-on community impact. Over 140 hours, students identify a pressing issue in Dutch society and apply design thinking to develop real-world solutions. They apply their theoretical knowledge of societal issues to design a social impact plan, execute it in authentic community settings and then reflect on outcomes to deepen understanding and inform future practice.

Concrete Experience
Students select a cause they care about—such as social inclusion, climate change or political participation—and launch an individual or collaborative project. They design and execute activities (for example, public events) in authentic settings, confronting logistical, ethical and interpersonal challenges.

Reflective Observation
Through regular coaching sessions (0.5 hour each) and group debriefings, students record and discuss insights, analysing successes and setbacks. This fosters critical self-awareness about assumptions, decisions and emotional responses.

Active Experimentation
Equipped with refined theoretical insights, students iterate on their social impact plans and test new approaches in the community. This iterative process of planning, action and adjustment cultivates resilience, strategic thinking and adaptive problem-solving skills.

By embedding experiential learning, design thinking and structured reflection, Changemakers Lab moves students beyond lecture halls into meaningful social-science practice. Participants graduate with verified, transferable skills in project management, collaboration and reflective analysis, empowering them to become effective changemakers in their communities.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will:

• Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world social issues.

• Develop project management and organisational skills.

• Identify a knowledge and skill gap and work towards filling it.

• Gain experience working collaboratively with diverse groups.

• Enhance the ability to create and execute strategic plans.

• Demonstrate effective communication and presentation skills.

• Reflect on the development of skills and project-based work.

Course Materials

All mandatory readings, necessary documentation and instructions will be made available via Brightspace.

Mode of Instruction

This course is 5 ECTS, level 300 which translates to 140 hours which will be divided into the following ways:

• 2 Seminars of 2 hours each (4 hours)

• A group meeting for students to present their plan and receive feedback (2 hours)

• Regular mandatory coaching meetings of 0.5-hour with a course instructor (5 – 10 hours)

• Literature study (20 hours)

• Working on the development of the action plan (80 – 100 hours)

• Final Product Presentation (10 hours)

• Final Reflection (5 hours)

Note: These numbers are an indication and can differ per student. Each student is required to spend 140 hours on this course but can allocate time to specific parts based on personal preferences/selected methods if they meet the requirements.

Assessment method

Students will be assessed on a pass/fail basis.
This course will be assessed through three components: attendance & participation, action plan and final reflection. Each component will be given a pass/fail grade, and students must pass all three components to pass the course.

Skills

The skills predominantly covered in this course are shown in bold:

Note: Depending on the project the student chooses to complete, different skills may apply.

Timetable

The seminars and group meetings for this course will take place on Wednesdays from 18:00 to 20:00 at the Pieter de la Court building, Faculty of Social Sciences.

Seminar 1: |Wednesday 1 October (17:30 to 19:30) |Addressing Social Challenges in the Netherlands
Seminar 2: |Wednesday 15 October (17:30 to 19:30) |From Abstraction to Praxis
Social Impact Presentation: |Wednesday 5 November (17:30 to 19:30)

Coaching meetings will be set up on a weekly/bi-weekly basis via Brightspace between the student and coach to track progress with the project.
The presentation of the final project will occur between the students and the course instructor at a convenient time for both, but students should aim to be finished by Wednesday 3 December.

Admission Requirements

This elective course is for students in the Honours College Science, Society and Self track in their second/third year.

Registration

You will receive an invitation and registration form for this course from the Honours College FSW. You do not need to register for this course via uSis, the registration will be done centrally.

Contact Info

For any questions or further information please contact course coordinator Sangar Paykhar at: s.paykhar@fsw.leidenuniv.nl