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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "LAW 398"
COURSE NAME: "Law Internship"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2015
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Susan Fuller
EMAIL: @johncabot.edu
HOURS: TH 6:00PM 7:15PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisites: GPA of 3.0 or higher; Junior Standing; Internship in the field of Law obtained through the Career Services Center
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The For Credit (FC) Internship course combines academic learning with a short-term (generally 3 to 6 months, full or part-time with a minimum of 120 hours) employment opportunity. Field experience allows participants to combine academic learning with hands-on work experience. For-Credit internships may be paid or 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 10 in-class hours over the semester, 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 page “White Paper” presenting a position or solution to a problem encountered by their employer. This course is graded on a “pass/no pass” basis. The course will begin the 4th week of each semester. 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 presentations skills through in-class presentations.

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Frohring Library Guides on writing White Papers...     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Library Research Guides on subject areas related to the field of study...  

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:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Students who miss more than 3 sessions (excused and unexcused) will not pass.
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

SCHEDULE (Each meeting is one hour)

 

Meeting 1:

Introduction to the For Credit Internship requirements; review of the Library Guides on how to write a 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:

Critique of White Papers: students review examples of White Papers provided by the instructor and review the different styles and effectiveness of presented work.

Meeting 4:

Students present their White Paper subjects in an oral and visual summary and their strategy for the paper as part of a class critical review process.

Meeting 5:

Presentation of a section of their journal on a work organizational challenge encountered in the work environment and how they believe it could have been (or was) effectively resolved.

Meeting 6:

Reflection discussion: Conflict Resolution in the Work Place (readings to be determined – case study)

Meeting 7:

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

Meeting 8:

Presentation of White Papers

Meeting 9:

Presentation of White Papers

Meeting 10:

Presentation of White Papers

White Papers due the last class meeting