Field Study

Home Undergraduate Program Field Study

The Sociology Department offers academic course credit (Sociology 193, 193F or 198) for learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting, where students work under the close supervision of a sociology faculty member and a field supervisor. Field study is the pursuit and testing of ideas, as well as a service to the community. Students develop their own placements or do so with the help of other academic field programs on-campus. In the past, sociology field study students have worked in schools, government agencies, corporations, prisons; with the elderly, children and families, administrators; developed projects, designed evaluations, observed organizational processes and worked on political campaign issues.

2 unit field study

Complete Soc 1, 10, or 15 (one course required)

Requirements

• Devote 6 hours weekly to course activities
• Journal or Field Notes
• Performance evaluation from your field supervisor
• Letter from the agency indicating the duties, responsibilities and expectations of the field placement

5 unit field study

Complete one lower-division course chosen from from Soc 1, 10, or 15. In addition submit a written proposal (approximately 3 pages) including a brief description of expectations from the sponsoring agency.

Requirements

• Devote 15 hours weekly to course activities
• Field notes and critical project evaluation
• Regular contact with a sponsoring faculty member
• Performance evaluation from the field supervisor

Preparations for field study must begin at least the quarter preceding the quarter of anticipated credit, as students must secure both a field placement and a faculty sponsor. While the Sociology Department posts internship and volunteer opportunities that come to us in the Sociology newsletter, an excellent listing of local, national and international internships is available through the UCSC Career Center.

Students interested pursuing field study credit should visit the Sociology Undergraduate Advisor.