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Political Science Field Experience (PSCI 1175)
Internship/Practicum Credits:
3 - 6 Variable Credit
Description:
This course combines field work with governmental or nongovernmental organizations engaged in public policy, advocacy, social change, or social service work with an examination of power, politics, and leadership. During the semester, you will spend approximately 36 hours per credit working at an organization or on a field study project designed in collaboration with, and approved by, your instructor. You will also develop specific learning goals with your instructor and internship site supervisor (if applicable), attend regular check-ins with your instructor, submit weekly field experience reflections and complete online writing assignments that integrate political science theories with your field experiences. You must arrange an internship placement or field study project and obtain permission from the instructor prior to registering for this course.
Topical Outline:
1. Key elements of an academic field study experience
2. Expectations and responsibilities of working with organizations and communities
3. Developing learning goals and a work plan
4. Evaluating performance and experience
5. Role and function of specific field study site(s)
6. Political science theories relevant to field experience
Learning Outcomes:
1. Develop learning goals and work plan in collaboration with field supervisor(s) and faculty advisor
2. Evaluate one's field experience in relation to learning goals and relevant political science theories
3. Create a final project that incorporates field experience learning goals and needs of field study site(s)
Prerequisites:
Permission from faculty field experience supervisor (instructor) is necessary for registration. It is strongly recommended that students have successfully completed at least one political science course. Please speak with the instructor.