As the 21st century meets our world with new challenges, it also provides us with new chances and opportunities for advancement

The Scoop: Using case studies and interactive learning exercises, like volunteering at the Food Bank, gleaning sweet potatoes from a field or writing a grant proposal for development funding, Robert Patterson teaches students about the root causes of—and strategies for combating—poverty and hunger around the globe.

Interesting Assignment: Toward the end of the semester, students prepare a meal for what Patterson calls a “hunger banquet,” using vegetables they’ve grown themselves. The class then invites friends and needy local residents to the banquet to share in the food and fellowship.