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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "DJRN 398-2"
COURSE NAME: "Internship: Digital Journalism Field"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2023
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Margaret Kneller
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: M 6:00 PM 7:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: By Appointment.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The For Credit (FC) Internship course combines academic learning with a short-term (part-time with a minimum of 150 hours) internship. Field experience allows participants to combine academic learning with hands-on work experience. For-Credit internships are unpaid. The organization or firm must be sponsored by the JCU Career Services Center (CSC). After being selected for an internship and having the CSC verify the course requirements are met, the intern may enroll in the Internship course corresponding to the academic discipline of interest. Course requirements include attending the internship class which will is scheduled for 20 in-class hours over the semester or summer session, verification of the minimum number of hours worked in the internship by the CSC; completion of a daily internship log; in-depth interview with the internship sponsor or organization; and a 2500 to 3500 word “White Paper” presenting a position or solution to a problem encountered by their employer. This course is graded on a “pass/no pass” basis. During the Fall and Spring semesters the course will begin the 3rd week of classes; in Summer it begins the 1st week of classes and ends at end of the Summer II Mini session. Students will determine with the Registrar’s Office or their Advisor which semester corresponds most closely with the timing of their internship. This course may be taken only once for academic credit.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
Students who are undertaking for-credit internships will attend 10 hours of in-class lectures and will document hours worked in a daily internship journal, prepare and present an in-depth career interview with the internship sponsor organization, and prepare and present a formal white-paper on a relevant academic issue related to their internship.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
LOS 1: Exposure to "real" projects and organizational problems to strengthen the applied aspects of academic foundations.
LOS 2: Development of technical skills needed in a chosen field.
LOS 3: Increased insight regarding the organizational work environment.
LOS 4: Self-knowledge of the intern's own strengths and weaknesses in the chosen field.
LOS 5: Deepen research and writing skills by summarizing information in a white paper.
LOS 6: Develop visual and oral presentation skills through in-class presentations.
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Completed journal of internship activitiesDemonstrates engaged and thoughtful summary of the work and activities covered in the internship. Learning outcomes: LOS 1, LOS 2, LOS 3, LOS 430
Interview with SponsorWritten summary of the interview and presentation to class for discussion. Learning outcomes: LOS 3, LOS 620
White paper on academic issue related to the field of studyA white paper is a report on a topic that presents a certain position or solution to a problem or issue. The White Paper is should be 2500 to 3500 words (5 to 8 pages). Learning outcomes: LOS 1, LOS 2, LOS 5, LOS 640
Presentation of White PaperOral and visual presentation of the White Paper subject. Learning outcomes: LOS 610

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
ACredit/Pass: All assignments are handed in on time and demonstrate a strong engagement with the internship work. The white paper is clear and well documented showing reference to appropriate information resources. All lectures have been attended and all internship hours have been documents.
FNo Credit/Fail: The student has met less than 70% of the required qualifications for credit. Students who do not meet the minimum work hours stipulated for requested credits will not receive credit.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Students who miss more than 3 sessions (excused and unexcused) will not pass.
Credit/Pass:  All assignments are handed in on time and demonstrate a strong engagement with the internship work. The white paper is clear and well documented showing reference to appropriate information resources.  All lectures have been attended and all internship hours have been documents.
No Credit/Fail:  The student has met less than 70% of the required qualifications for credit.  Students who do not meet the minimum work hours stipulated for requested credits will not receive credit
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

The Meetings imply One Session.  Total Class Time is 20 hours.

Meeting 1:

Introduction to the For Credit Internship requirements; review of White Paper. 

Meeting 2:

Students present a five minute oral and visual summary of their internship organization, the expectations of their work, and the major challenges faced by their organization/work unit. 

Meeting 3:

Extemporaneous: current events of Risk or Opportunity to your internship organization.

Meeting 4:

Students provide examples of Interviews: overall scope, media used, how to prepare.

Meeting 5:

Students provide examples of Interviews, continued.

Meeting 6:

Challenges encountered in the workplace: external or internal.

Meeting 7:

White Paper visuals--apps, formatting--what can You show each other? Examples from You, and Discussion.

Meeting 8:

Reflection discussion: Challenges facing the organization and leadership response (readings to be determined – case study)

Meeting 10:

Presentation of Interviews

Meeting 11:

Presentation of White Papers

Meeting 12:

Presentation of White Papers

White Papers due the last class day of the Semester. For Fall 2023 this is Dec 6.

FINAL: Students meet to for cooperative evaluation of Journal and White Paper, and self-evaluation.