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Policies on Internships and Independent Studies

The purpose of internships and independent studies is to give English majors an opportunity to explore professional activities related to literature, writing, editing, and publishing or to work on a topic or special research project that is not part of our regular course offerings. These options should supplement courses rather than substitute for them.

The following policies are designed with these principles in mind:

  • A maximum of six credits in internships/independent studies may be applied (as electives) toward fulfilling the required number of courses for a major in English.
  • Except in rare circumstances, no internship or independent study may be used as a substitute for a required course.
  • Internships/independent studies require some type of paper (a written report on activities, a research paper, or a portfolio) that is graded by the faculty member who directs the student for the project.
  • All applications for internships/independent studies must be signed in person by the chair or, when the chair so designates, the associate chair of the department.
  • A waiver of any of these policies requires formal, written application to the chair of the English Department.

The English Department's Policy on Teaching Internships

While students should understand that, in general, an instructor will select interns from students that the instructor has taught in class, or who come strongly recommended, you may apply for a teaching internship through the department chair.

The following policies make sure that teaching internships adhere to sound educational and ethical principles:

  • An intern should have a strong grade point average and have demonstrated competency as a writer.
  • Both the student and the instructor will evaluate the internship.

Appropriate Activites for Interns

  • helping students to develop drafts and prepare for tests and quizzes either during class time or in individual conferences
  • assisting the instructor in evaluating written materials and oral presentations (although the instructor will monitor the grading process and is responsible for all grades)
  • leading group discussions
  • lecturing sometimes or leading class discussions
  • acting as liaison between students and the instructor
  • monitoring the achievement of goals for the course (with the instructor).