17.901/902
POLITICAL SCIENCE INTERNSHIP AND RESEARCH
Fall 2000
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 E51-393
Instructors: Tobie
Weiner Pablo
Policzer
E53-484,
3-3649 E53-354
iguanatw@mit.edu policzer@mit.edu
Description
of Course
The Political Science Department's
Internship Program is designed to supplement the classroom learning experience
with “hands-on” experience in settings where political activity and
policy-making and implementation actually take place. Placement possibilities include political campaigns,
legislators' offices, legal service organizations, human service agencies,
advocacy groups and organizations concerned with such issues as education,
public health, the environment, the homeless, and more.
The class is units-arranged and can be
taken for 6-15 units. The number
of units corresponds to the number of hours students work each week at their
internship site.
Requirements
for the class
Internship placements typically last one
semester and students are required to work between 6-15 hours each week at the
internship site. Students will
work directly with the program administrator, a teaching assistant from the
Political Science Department and with a supervisor at the internship site.
Interns must secure two letters from their on-site supervisors. The first letter
details what hours they are working and what their duties will be. The second
letter is an evaluation of their performance during the semester.
Students in the class attend 6 class sessions and one reception
dinner, complete 3 reading assignments, and write 3 short response papers (3 pages) analyzing the readings and
their relationship to the internship placement.
Papers are due in class on the assigned
dates. Late papers will be
penalized.
Class attendance is mandatory.
Each student will write a three to five page response to several
questions we will ask about their internship organization.
The final requirement is the student's evaluation of their internship
experience. In the evaluation you’ll share with future interns how you
received the placement, the benefits you received from the internship and some
tips for other students looking for a placement.
Grading
is as follows:
Internship (completion of required hours and evaluation from
supervisor) = 50%
Four papers = 30%
Class participation = 20%
If you have any questions please feel
free to contact: Tobie Weiner, E53-484, 253-3649, iguanatw@mit.edu.
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Schedule
9/12 Orientation
Session
How
to find an internship
Description
of the seminar and requirements for the class
Community organizations will be on hand
to distribute information and talk with you about opportunities in their
programs.
Schedule
an appointment with Pablo or Tobie to discuss placement
For
the next two weeks you’ll be calling internship organizations, interviewing and
deciding which placement is best for you.
Contact Tobie or Pablo for information on placements and help with cover
letters, resumes. Also see the
handout, “How to find an internship.”
9/19 How
to write a paper for this class
Determine
rest of topics for class
Hand
out first reading packet
9/26 Discussion
of first reading packet
First
paper due
Hand
out second reading packet
10/17 Discussion
of second reading packet
Second
paper due
10/31 Placement
discussion
Response to questions due
11/7
(14?) Reception
with supervisors, 17.903 students/supervisors
key
institute guests
Hand out third reading packet
11/21 Discussion
of third reading packet
Third paper due
12/12 Final
placement discussion and evaluation
Second supervisor letter due
Student
evaluation of placement due