Internship in Historical Studies
History 471
Elizabethtown College
| Internship Coordinator | Dr. Gabe Ricci Email: riccigr@etown.edu Office hours: T, Th 11:00-12:00; 1:00-2:00 |
361-1139 Wenger 371 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Course coverage and objectives |
This course will allow students to apply the theories, principles, and methods of historical studies in a practical work environment. By participating in this course, each student will learn both conceptual and applied approaches to the study of history and will be better prepared for a variety of history career opportunities.
Besides the permission of the instructor, there are no prerequisites for this course. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reference books and collateral reading | There are no specific reference books or collateral reading required for this class. If a student desires more resources, s/he can refer to any of the following:
Jones, Arnita A.; Cantelon, Philip L. Corporate Archives and History: Making the Past Work (Malabar, Fla. : Krieger Pub., 1993). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Course Requirements | Students are responsible for securing their own internship, which may be paid or unpaid. They should research possible internships based on the type of work they want to perform and on practical considerations such as employment location. They are also responsible for arranging required interviews and submitting application materials. When securing employment, students are responsible for explaining the purpose and requirements of the internship. They should also discuss specific work responsibilities.
Once a student secures an internship, he or she develops an internship contract approved by both the internship supervisor and the department chair. The internship contract must document the specific work to be performed, especially written work. Internships that are clerical in nature, for example those requiring interns to do typing, copying, or other routine paperwork, are not acceptable for credit. Once the internship contract is signed by the student, internship supervisor, department chair, and the associate dean of faculty, the student submits it to Registration and Records, which will add the course to the student’s schedule. Credits for the internship will be determined by the amount of work performed. For an internship of two credits, students must complete approximately 80 hours at the internship. For an internship of four credits, students must complete approximately 160 hours at the internship. The internship advisor and job supervisor will communicate to assess the student's on-site performance. During the enrolled semester, students must communicate with the internship coordinator by email, telephone, or in person once a week. The communication should address issues like work being performed, positive and negative aspects of the internship situation, and the status of projects or course work. In addition to working at the internship, the student will be required to maintain a log and journal for each day worked. The student should 1) keep a record of hours worked and projects accomplished, 2) write about experiences and observations of the organization’s activities, 3) gather ideas and data for the research paper, 4) reflect on the purpose, mission, and function of the organization, and 5) reflect philosophically on the chosen vocation. Other journal topics could include decision-making practices, research techniques used, conflict management methods, management styles and techniques, financial management, supervisor-worker relations, formal structure, informal networks, interaction with Board of Directors, public relations practices, goals of the organization, and problems in the organization. Finally, each student will write a 10-20 page research paper (depending on credit hours) on a topic relating to the internship. The intern will select a paper topic in consultation with the internship advisor. Topics may include a significant problem relating to the intern’s role or the functioning of the organization. The paper might relate the purpose of the organization to larger societal and/or historical issues. Other research topics might be more appropriate depending upon the type and scope of the internship. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grading Scale | Final grades will be awarded according to the earned number of points accumulated throughout the semester divided by the total number of points possible (percentage of total). Points can be earned as follows:
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| Academic Honesty | Each student should adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. For a more detailed discussion of academic dishonesty, including possible penalties (including a failing grade and/or academic suspension), see the Elizabethtown College catalogue and the page "Avoiding Plagiarism Problems." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acceptable Documentation Standards | For this course, each student will use the documentation style preferred by his or her employer. For more information on the most generally accepted styles, see the Maxwell Library Bibliographic Style Guides (http://www.bridgew.edu/library/styleman.cfm). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Important Dates to Remember | All important dates, including scheduled exams and quizzes, are listed on the internship contract. The student is responsible for being aware of these dates and submitting his or her work on time. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Late Work Penalties | Students must submit all work at the specified times and places. If this is impossible due to extraordinary circumstances, inform the employer and/or internship supervisor and alternative arrangements may be possible (extraordinary circumstances include documented illness, death in the family, or institutional activities as approved by the dean). Otherwise, late work will not be accepted | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Student Consultations | In addition to their weekly contacts, students may contact their internship supervisor at any time. The best time to reach their supervisor is during his or her scheduled office hours. The student may also contact the History Department internship coordinator (Dr. Gabe Ricci) with questions or concerns. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disability Disclosure |
If you have a documented disability and need reasonable accommodations to fully participate in course activities or meet course requirements, you must: (1) contact the Director of Disability Services, Shirley Deichert, in the Center of Student Success, BSC 288, (717) 361-1227, deichesa@etown.edu, AND (2) meet with me, the instructor, within two weeks of receiving a copy of the accommodation letter from Disability Services to discuss your accommodation needs and their implementation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
