Course Syllabus

COMM 1997 Communication Internship I

Course Description

This course is designed to provide hands on experience in the field of Communication to link concepts learned in courses with professional practice. Communication internships are temporary, on-the-job experiences intended to help students identify how their studies in the classroom apply to the workplace. Internships are individually arranged by the student in collaboration with a faculty member in the chosen discipline and a supervisor in the workplace. This course is repeatable for up to 6 credits, with no more than 3 credits per semester. Additional fees required. Internships are typically pass/fail credits. Students desiring a grade will need to negotiate a contract with significant academic work beyond the actual work experience.

Justification

"An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate them." (NACE Definition, NACEweb.org)As such, internships provide students opportunities to explore career options through an engaged setting, they help students apply academic materials and skill into practical work situations, they provide valuable professional experience, and they develop interpersonal skills. Students who participate in internship opportunities secure work more quickly and are promoted more rapidly than students who do not. Often internships work well as capstone courses. All USHE institutions offer internship opportunities to their students.Students at Snow can enroll in up to 3 academic credits in an academic semester. No more than 6 credits can count toward an associate's degree. Duplicate experience for additional credit is not allowed.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Understand and apply communication classroom material to a professional work situation.
2. Develop interpersonal skills by negotiating with faculty and supervisors in the design of an internship contract.
3. Develop professionalism by developing self-initiative, time management skills, effective communication skills, punctuality, and professional conduct.
4. Connect communication experience from the work environment back to the discipline of communication.

Course Content

Course content will be determined collaboratively by student, faculty mentor and job supervisor. The internship contract uses a student's academic and professional interests to serve as the intellectual starting point for developing a semester-long project. Together the student, faculty advisor, and worksite supervisor will design a project that meets the following criteria:1. Aligns with student academic program,2. Offers the student an opportunity to significantly expand their current knowledge and skill set; and3. Aligns with the student's professional pursuits. To qualify for an internship, a student must be in good academic standing (2.0 G.P.A.); have completed 30 semester hours or have instructor permission; and ideally have completed coursework that relates to the work experience.