Opportunities

 

Service Learning Capstone Experience

 

ACOM 549 (1-3 hours)
(Consent of instructor and completion of Junior Writing Portfolio required)
This course provides the opportunity to apply principles of effective communication in community service projects. In addition to the work in a community charitable organization, a paper synthesizing the theories and principles of communication relevant to the community service project or a substantive research-based project is required.

 

Students talking in the QuadWhat is the purpose of the course?

This is one of two communications courses designed to provide a culminating experience for the communications major. The objective is for you to work as a volunteer for a nonprofit charitable organization where you will be able to apply the theories, principles and concepts you have learned in your communication classes to communication situations you face in the work world, specifically, in the non-profit, charitable organization. Thus this option permits you to provide a needed service to your community while using the communication skills and principles you have acquired in your education.

 

When should I take this course?

You should enroll in this course after you have taken at least 18 hours in communication courses and generally have earned 90 hours of college credit with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. (Exceptions to the 90-hour rule may be made if an extraordinary opportunity arises before a student becomes a senior.)

 

How many hours of service are required?

A minimum of 75 hours must be completed for this service learning experience. Depending on the nature of your project and the needs of the agency, you may be required to work more hours.

 

What other work is required of me?

This experience includes an applied component and a research and synthesis component. We want you to have an opportunity to learn for yourself and to show us what you have learned and how effectively you can apply the communication skills, principles and theories you have learned in your communication courses. Accordingly, in addition to completing the volunteer work, you will:

You will compile all of the above, along with copies of the Proposal (see below), the university paperwork, the signed log of hours, and other appropriate documents, into a bound portfolio.

 

What steps do I follow to set up the Service-Learning experience?


1. During the early registration period of the semester prior to the semester you wish to enroll in the Service-Learning Capstone, you must meet with Dr. Wilson to discuss various options. Dr. Wilson will be your “service learning supervisor."

2. After the initial meeting with your service learning supervisor, it is your responsibility to contact different service organizations as needed to discuss volunteer opportunities. Discuss appropriate approach techniques, dress and manner with Dr. Wilson. When meeting with prospective Service-Learning sites, be sure to get specific information about what opportunities are available and how much time these tasks might require.

3. Before the end of the semester prior to your enrollment in the internship, meet again with Dr. Wilson and agree on the volunteer work you will perform.

4. Complete the Proposal for Service Learning Internship Form and return to Dr. Wilson.

5. During the registration period before classes begin, you must meet with your internship supervisor and academic advisor to complete the required university paperwork. During the appointment with the internship supervisor, you may begin exploring possible communication concepts which you will apply during the volunteer work and on which you might focus your capstone paper/project.

 

What steps do I follow to complete the internship?


1. Begin the volunteer work.


2. Throughout your project keep a detailed log of your hours. The on-site supervisor must provide verification of the hours you worked and/or the projects completed, so we suggest you complete the log weekly and obtain the verifying signature each week.


3. Keep a journal of observations and the specific service activities you perform. Reflect on the experiences and discuss how your experiences relate to communication theories, principles and skills. You will receive a detailed handout and there will be group discussions to facilitate journal writing.


4. As you perform your work, decide on the specific areas of communication that relate to your activities that you will research and analyze in your capstone paper or decide on a substantive project related to communication and filling a need of the organization.


5. After having worked 25 hours, you must meet with Dr. Wilson and agree on the specific paper/project. (It is fine to meet with Dr. Wilson before completing the 25 hours). The 25 hours should be completed no later than the mid-point of the semester of the service learning experience. As soon as they are completed and prior to the semester mid-point, arrange the appointment.


6. Continue to meet periodically with your professor to appraise him/her of your progress and discuss the experience. You must meet with the internship supervisor at least three times during the semester.


7. Complete the volunteer work and log and obtain the final verification of the work from the on-site supervisors.


8. Write the capstone paper demonstrating your understanding of the communication concepts selected and your ability to apply this knowledge to the volunteer work you performed. The paper should be at least ten typed pages and contain at least 6 references. OR Write and complete the capstone project. The project must incorporate at least 6 references. Length will depend on the nature of the project.


9. Make a presentation (10-12 minutes) to the communications faculty and other communications students enrolled in a capstone communication course. Your presentation should provide the audience with an understanding of your paper/project and its connection to your Service Learning experience. Plan for a question/answer period.


10. Submit your final bound capstone packet (see course syllabus for details)

 

 

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