Thank you for your interest in this practicum class where each student will participate in an internship in a local agency, business or organization. Students can come in with an internship already in place, or can apply to intern at specialized internships through the Sociology Department.

How does the class work?

In addition to interning, students attend one 2-hour seminar each week. This seminar is a 5 credit, graded course designed to combine experiential learning in the workplace with critical reflection about practical and theoretical issues of work and organizations. Through readings, projects, papers, discussions and/or presentations, students will consider how sociology can inform and enrich their internship experience. Class credit can be applied towards Sociology major's advanced coursework requirement or elective requirement.

How many hours/week must I intern?

This class requires that students spend at least 3 hours/week at their internship. Many internship opportunities will require more. The federal agency internships require a minimum of 6 hours/week for nine weeks and also 6 hours of preliminary training. Students will have to decide for themselves whether or not to pursue an internship based on the additional time requirements. Students will not receive additional credit or a higher grade if they spend more time at their internship.

If by the end of the 2nd week of class students cannot show that they are working at their internship a minimum of 3 hours/week, they must drop the class.

What kind of internship is admissible?

Internships in non-profit organizations, agencies, schools or businesses in the private sector are all permissible. The only exception to this is that you may not repeat an internship experience served by another practicum (i.e. Practicum in Education).  If you are at all unsure, write to socprac[at]u.wash

I don't have an internship. How do I get one?

It's a good idea to start your search early. There are many resources on campus that can help. The Sociology Blog (http://asksoc.wordpress.com) has internship opportunities and links to other sites listing internships. Sociology Advising can also help you get started. Email socprac[at]u.wash

There are several internships offered exclusively through the Sociology Department as part of our Practicum in Sociology of Work and Organizations Course. For Winter/Spring 2010 these include internships with federal agencies: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Applications for these internships are due by Friday, November 20, 2009.

I have an internship. How do I register for the class?

You can register for this class as soon as registration opens. There is no add code required; however, you must have an internship by the 2^nd week of class or drop the class.

After you register you will need to complete a learning contract.  You will need to fill out the student and organizational information on the first page and bring to class on the first day. The rest of the contract will need to be completed within the first 3 weeks of the quarter.