Development studies 310 helps students make links between what they have learned in the classroom and what is happening in the wider community. This experiential learning option will involve students working with a community based organisation either locally or in another region/country. The internship will involve some classroom study but primarily work will in the community placement. A job description and work plan will be developed by the student in consultation with the course supervisor and the host agency representative. A blog, written report and oral presentation are required. Prerequisites: DEVS 200 and permission of instructor. Six credits.
Objectives of the Course
This course is intended to allow students to build on the understandings of development philosophy and practice that were presented in DEVS 200. They will do this by learning and practising specific skills appropriate to their placements. This practice is the focal point of the course. Finally, they will reflect critically on their experience of development practice. Students who intend to do advanced major degrees in DEVS may expand on this critical reflection for their advanced major paper.
Placements
Students will work with a host organization that addresses community development concerns in Canada or elsewhere. It is expected that students spend at least the equivalent of five full-time (forty hour) weeks working in the host organization. Ideally this service is spread over a period far longer than five weeks. Where possible, the student will contribute through specific tasks to a meaningful project for the organization. This will help to ensure that the people, the organization and the student all perceive a clear benefit from the student’s work. It will also facilitate evaluation of the student’s performance in the placement. Students should be given a clear idea of what will be expected of them in terms of behaviour (both during the work day and in the community), and of the work they will undertake. A suggested form that can structure the precise responsibilities of the student, outline the results that are expected, and delineate the goals of the placement is included in this package.
Preparatory Class Contact
The class will meet once in December. It will meet fairly regularly from January to March. These classes will discuss readings that will prepare students for their postings.
Blogs
Prior to their placement students will be required to blog their preparation for their assignments.
Once in their placements students will keep a weekly blog. In addition to anything else students want to say, these blogs must address the following:
1. What you did
2. How your work fits into the work of the organisation
3. What frustrated you
4. What you learned
5. What you think/feel about home/your life at home
End of course
Just before the beginning of classes we will get together for an afternoon. You will be required to prepare a summary document for that debriefing. This report must be posted by August 15th. Students will prepare a final report that draws entirely on their blog entries, their summary document and discussion at the debriefing. This final report will be due September 30th. At that debriefing we will identify common themes. You will work in groups to create presentations around those themes. Those group presentations will be given publicly in early October.
Evaluation
Class participation: 10%
Reading Responses: 20%
Blog entries: 30%
Summary Document: 20%
Final Reporting: 10%
Host agency evaluation (optional): 10%
Host agency evaluation
Where the instructor and the agency find it to be appropriate, the agency may evaluate the student’s performance in the placement.
Instructor responsibilities.
I will be available by email (ptamas@stfx.ca). I will respond within two days day to queries. I will comment substantively on all postings within three days.