SPEC 21
Experience in the Workplace; an Internship with Williams Alumni/Parents Winter 2020

This is not the current course catalog

Class Details

Field experience is a critical component of the decision to enter a profession. Through these field placements, students can clarify their understanding of the rewards and challenges that accompany the practice of many different aspects within a profession, and understand the psychology of the workplace. In order to participate in this course, students must apply to the winter study internships listed in this syllabus. The expectation is that each student will observe and participate in some aspect of the profession for at least 30 hours per week, 6 hours per day for 5 days each week. It is also expected that the instructor will assign a specific project to be completed within the 3-4 week duration of the course depending upon appropriateness. Participation in this winter study will require the student to quickly assess the work environment, make inferences about corporate culture, performance norms and expectations, and to take initiative not only to learn from this experience, but also to contribute where and when appropriate. Understanding the dynamics within a work environment is critical to success in any organization, and this hands-on experience will illuminate lessons learned in the classroom. Upon completion of the winter study, it is expected that the student write a thorough report evaluating and interpreting the experience. Teaching Associates: Williams College Alumni/Parents will be recruited to become teaching associates for this course. A broad range of professions will be represented as the course develops. Alumni and parents will receive individual orientations with the course instructor in person or via telephone conference. Students will be required to read one of two books selected for this course. Bibliography: a bibliography of readings would be selected from such works as: What Should I do with My Life? by Po Bronson, 2003; Working by Studs Terkel, 2004.
The Class: Format: internship
Grading: pass/fail only
Requirements/Evaluation: it is expected that students will complete assigned readings (read one of two books assigned to this course), write a daily journal, and write a 5- to 7-page expository review; evaluation will become public record as a resource for other students
Prerequisites: interested students must attend an information meeting in late September or early October and follow up with Dawn Dellea if students have questions about specific WS internships listed in the SPEC 21 syllabus; application are submitted via Handshake
Enrollment Preferences: 1st priority--students applying for winter study internships listed in the SPEC 21 syllabus; 2nd priority--students developing independent Internships with Williams alumni/parents; first-years limited to applying for local internships
Materials/Lab Fee: cost of books
Attributes: EXPE Experiential Education Courses

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