ASSIGNMENTS AND COURSEWORK

Deadlines for student internships to be finalized:

Fall: July 31

Spring: November 1

Summer: March 31

These are the dates by which students should have made contact with a community partner, composed a list of host organization expectations and responsibilities, and a list of learning outcomes for the student. Learning contracts and internships organized after these dates may not be approved, and will not qualify for financial assistance from the department.

REL 288: Field Program in Religion and Public Engagement

Assignments and Coursework

1. Reading: read 2-3 books (selected in consultation with the RPE academic supervisor of your internship) related to the focus of the internship;
2. Write an 800-1000 word book review on each book:
   • Describe the author’s reason for writing the book
   • What problem/s do they address?
   • How do they address it/them?
   • How does religion affect/shape/influence/relate to the public issue/s with which you are dealing in your placement?
   • What did you learn from the book that affected the way you understand/do the work?
3. Journals: These journals should not be merely descriptive. They should also include integrative analysis (matching experiences with books under review), and explicit connections to your academic work. As you write your journal entries (2 single-spaced pages/week) , address some of the following topics (whichever seems most important) each week:
   1. Learning Objectives: describe the particular activities you are involved in; how do they relate to your learning objectives?  What skills are you learning? How do religious practices, beliefs, or institutional dynamics affect the issue/s, work, site of the internship?
   2. Site Dynamics/Issues: identify what is difficult and easy; frustrating and rewarding; are there any conflicts with co-workers, supervisors, or clients? what responses are evoked for you? are there logistical issues you need to talk to your supervisor about? are there issues you’d like to talk with the RPE Academic Supervisor about?
4. Final paper (1600-2500 words): This paper should evidence significant integration between the personal insights offered in the journals, and the academic insights gleaned from the review books, as well as other coursework in and beyond religious studies.  The goal is to indicate the ways in which this engaged experience informs your academic work, and the ways in which your academic work has helped you to be more intentional and sensitive in the duration of your engaged learning project.  This should be an academic paper with appropriate citations in Chicago B style.  Your paper should address and assess the role and impact of religion in the issue your internship addressed, and elucidate any important conclusions or take-aways from this experience.
5. Give final, public presentation
   1. Audience: Religion Department majors, minors, faculty, and any special invitees you want to invite.
   2. Format: 20 minute presentation with 10 minutes for questions
      1. Why did you choose this internship context?
      2. What did you do during the internship?
      3. What are the most important things you learned with regard to your work and the impact or role of religion?