2nd SOCIOLOGY

INTERNSHIP

SOC  488                                                                                                SUMMER 2003

 

 


INSTRUCTOR:

Gary Welborn

OFFICE:

HB304

PHONE:
HOME:

878-6428
882-9239

HOURS:

by appointment only

Email:  welborgs@buffalostate.edu                   Web Site:  http://faculty.buffalostate.edu/welborgs/

 

 

Required  Readings

 

“Field Research Packet for the Sociology Internship Program”

at  The Copy Cat  (Elmwood & Forest)

F Its best to call before going to pick it up — 883-6400

 

 

Focus of the Course

 

In this course, you will build on the skills of field research that you began to develop in the first internship, using techniques such as participant observation, formal and informal interviewing, focus groups and analysis of field records.  Your intern site will be your source of data for a semester-long research project, in which you will analyze some aspect of the social life you find there.  As with the first internship, you have wide latitude to choose an intern site that fits your needs.  However, it is important to think about how you will use your ‘sociological imagination’ to carry out your research.  How will you link things you have been studying and learning with what you observe and experience in the real world?  What are the main sociological theories and concepts you will use to understand and describe what you learn about in the field?  You will collect data in your field journal, further developing your skills of close observation and systematic recording.  These are skills that will be useful throughout your life, no matter what you do.  Field work, in a setting that interests you, can be an exhilarating experience, but it can also be difficult and frustrating.  You can expect to experience both these emotions. 

PLEASE NOTE: Any student who requires accommodations to complete the requirements and expectations of this course because of a disability is invited to make his or her needs known to the instructor and to Marianne Savino, coordinator of services for students with disabilities, South Wing 120, ext. 4500

 

 

Evaluation

 

 

There are four components to the evaluation process for this course:

F

 

ATTENDANCE: 
You should approach this course as you would a serious employment situation.  You will have to attend only a few classes for the whole semester.  I expect you to be at each one and to be on time!  I deal with this class more like a job than a course.  A single absence will effect your final grade.

F

 

JOURNAL:
Please copy & use the form in reading packet !!!


You are required to keep a field research journal.  This is where you record your observations and collect other forms of data (ex. copies of records, brochures, announcements, leaflets, etc.).  The journal will be the primary basis for your research project.  I will review journals prior to your first discussion group meeting.  They will be handed in, along with your paper, at the end of the semester.  Field journals account for 40% of your final grade. 

 

F

 

FINAL PAPER: 
Another 40% of your grade will be based on a 10-page field research paper based observations and investigation at your intern site.  You will receive two grades for it, on both content and form (grammar, spelling, organization, etc. as well as substance).

 

Your Project Description will account for 1/4 of this 40%.

 

 

 

 

F

 

FIELD SUPERVISOR'S EVALUATION: 
The remaining 20% of your grade of your grade will be based on the evaluation form sent to your field supervisor late in the semester.  This form requests their assessment of your strengths and weaknesses, your work performance and your ability to use community and agency resources.

 


 

Discussion Group Schedule & Reading Assignments

 

F

 

Discussion group meetings will be in the Sociology Conference Room (B308), starting promptly at 1:00pm.

 

I AM IN GROUP # __________________

Please enter your Group Number, circle the dates for your group
and save for reference during the semester

 

DATES FOR DISCUSSION GROUP 1: 

Tuesday,
June 10th

 

Discuss “On Intellectual Craftsmanship

Read C. Wright Mills, packet pages 1-17

Tuesday,
June 24th

 

Discuss field techniques (especially interviewing)

Read packet pages 78-121

Tuesday,
July 1st

 

HAND IN JOURNALS   (NO CLASS)

Tuesday,
July 8th

 

Discuss & Hand In PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

Tuesday,
July 22nd

 

Discuss Writing & Controlling Thesis

Read “The Stage of Intensive Analysis” packet pages 122-130

MONDAY,
AUGUST 4th

 

FINAL PROJECTS & JOURNALS DUE

 

 

 

DATES FOR DISCUSSION GROUP 2: 

Thursday,
June 12th

 

Discuss “On Intellectual Craftsmanship

Read C. Wright Mills, packet pages 1-17

Thursday,
June 26th

 

Discuss field techniques (especially interviewing)

Read packet pages 78-121

Thursday,
July 3rd

 

HAND IN JOURNALS   (NO CLASS)

Thursday,
July 10th

 

Discuss & Hand In PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

Thursday,
July 24th

 

Discuss Writing & Controlling Thesis

Read “The Stage of Intensive Analysis” packet pages 122-130

MONDAY,
AUGUST 4th

 

FINAL PROJECTS & JOURNALS DUE