MDA 250 (42289D)
INTERNSHIP FOR THE LIBERAL ARTS: WORK AND CAREER - THEORY AND PRACTICE
Fall 2012
Eileen Kohan
Suite 107 Davidson CE Conference Center
3415 South Figueroa Street
kohan@usc.edu (213) 740 - 5682
Tuesday 3:30 - 5:00
THH 116
Fax (213) 740 - 6417
Objective
Students will integrate experiential learning with class discussion, readings and reflective writing assignments.
The internship experience will be evaluated on a variety of levels to gain an understanding of the world of work
from a variety of perspectives. The liberal arts focus will be reflected in views of work in described in multiple fields
including business, sociology, psychology, economics and history. The changing workplace will be viewed from the
perspectives of multiculturalism, globalization and innovation. Each class meeting will focus on a topic related to
an academic view of work as well as a practical examination of reality in the workplace.
This is a two credit, graded course. All assignments must be completed by the due date or there will be grade
point deductions. Students who do not complete all elements of the assignments will not receive a passing
grade. Students must attend class sessions to receive course credit.
Requirements
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Students must submit a completed Employer Agreement Form by Friday, September 14, 2012.
Students must work a minimum of 8 hours per week as an intern. Internships must begin by September 14,
2012.
Students must complete assigned readings & actively participate in class discussion. Quizzes on reading
assignments will be given periodically.
The first class session is on Tuesday, August 28 , 2012. The class will meet on alternating Tuesdays. (See
attached schedule for dates and topics.)
Students are required to attend all class sessions and inform their employer of the class attendance
requirement. Internship hours should not be scheduled during class time. Grade point deductions will be
taken for any missed class.
Students will complete three journals and a final paper.
A Performance Evaluation must be completed by the employer and submitted by December 4, 2012.
Students must have a current USC email account and password to access the MDA 250 Web Site on
blackboard (http://blackboard.usc.edu) Course updates will be communicated using the email on this site.
Required Reading
Readings will be provided as class handouts and will be available on blackboard.
Grading
A final letter grade will be determined on the following formula:
Class Participation/ Quizzes
Journals
Final Paper
On Site Internship Evaluation
(To be completed by internship supervisor)
25%
25%
25%
25%
Class participation includes completing the reading assignments; quiz grades and active engagement in class
discussion. Students who miss two or more classes will not receive credit for this component of the grade.
Eileen Kohan kohan@usc.edu 213 740 5682
Written Assignments
Journals – Each student will create three written journals of two to three pages. Journals will cover the following
topics and will be submitted by these dates:
Journal 1
Journal 2
Journal 3
The Economy, Workplace and Change
Midpoint Review ‘Having It All’
How to Change Your Workplace
September 18, 2012
October 23, 2012
November 20, 2012 (submit on line as
journal)
Final Paper - Professional Profile
Your final assignment is to write a profile of a professional in your workplace. This will require you to first conduct
an interview and then summarize your thoughts to create an engaging piece for your audience. This assignment is
intended to give you the opportunity to meet with someone in your workplace who you view as successful. By
asking questions you can gain insight to their values and motivation. You can then compare these to your own as
you continue to assess your 'fit' for this career path. This assignment, if done well, can provide you with a 'writing
sample' that you can use in your portfolio for future job searches.
The Final Paper is due on December 4, 2012.
***All written assignments may be submitted using the Digital Drop Box on the Blackboard site. Please read the
directions to be sure your work has been posted. These postings are visible to the instructor only. If you prefer,
you may submit your assignments in class on the due date.
Employer Evaluation
On November 6, 2012 you will be given an evaluation form to be completed by your internship employer. This
form must be completed and returned by fax or email or on or before December 4, 2012.
All assignments must be completed by the due date or there will be grade point deductions. Students who do
not complete all elements of the assignments will not receive a passing grade.
Class Schedule/Assignments
The following schedule is a preliminary outline of the weekly topics to be covered in the course. This is a “working”
syllabus. As I encounter interesting, relevant articles I will add them to the syllabus.
August 28
How Will You Know This Internship Was A Success? - Setting
Expectations
Assignment due on September 4
Reading: Articles on the state of the American dream
September 4
The American dream
Assignment due on September 18
Reading: Selected readings including Anne Marie Slaughter’s Atlantic Monthly essay:
‘Why Women Still Can’t Have It All’
Journal: ‘The Economy, Workplace and Change’
Eileen Kohan kohan@usc.edu 213 740 5682
September 11
NO CLASS SESSION
September 18
‘Having It All’ – Finding a Culture/Value Fit
Assignment due on October 2
Reading: Selected readings on the impact of technology in the workplace
CAREER FAIR – Thursday, September 20
September 25
NO CLASS SESSION
October 2
Alone Together – Communication and Distraction in the Workplace
Assignment due on October 23
Reading: Selected readings on leadership/teamwork/innovation
Journal: Midpoint Review – ‘Having It All’
INTERNSHIP WEEK – OCTOBER 8 – 11
October 9 & 16
NO CLASS SESSION
October 23
Core Competencies You Need to Succeed: Creativity and Innovation
Assignment due on November 6
Reading: Additional readings on leadership/teamwork/innovation
October 30
NO CLASS SESSION
November 6
How to Change the World: Assessing Career Options
Assignment due on November 20
Reading: Selected readings on the 21st century workplace
Journal: How to Change Your Workplace ** submit online as journal assignment
November 13 & 20
NO CLASS SESSION
November 27
The Workplace of 2022 and Beyond
Assignment due on December 4, 2012
Final Paper and Employer Evaluation
December 4
Why Work? Crafting Your Career Narrative
Reflections on the Internship Experience
NOTE: Please logon to the web site, http://blackboard.usc.edu for updated assignments and readings
distributed in class.
This class involves large group and breakout group discussions. There will be no need to use computers during
class time.
Eileen Kohan kohan@usc.edu 213 740 5682