Field Study
School of Social Ecology: Field Study
The Field Study requirement is designed to provide students with the
opportunity to examine social problems, to evaluate the merit of ideas
presented in the classroom, and to educate students in conducting
naturalistic observations and investigations. The student has the
opportunity to participate in the ongoing activities of an
organization, develop interpersonal as well as technical competencies.
Field Study also offers students the opportunity for data collection
projects, theory-testing, and social intervention.
Students define their field study interests and select an appropriate
placement site from the general list of community organizations
approved by the School of Social Ecology. After interviewing with
prospective placement supervisors, students finalize their Field Study
plans via a Course Enrollment Form, which outlines the student's
activities, responsibilities in the agency, and their goals.
During their Field Study, students are supervised by a Social Ecology
faculty member. They are typically required to meet weekly or
bi-weekly, usually in a small group, to discuss both pragmatic and
academic issues related to the field placement. Students are also
required to write a term paper integrating field observations with
research findings.
Field Study is graded P/NP only. Students must work 10 hours per week
in an agency to receive four units of academic credit; students who
work 20 hours per week may request eight units of academic credit.
Field Study is restricted to Social Ecology juniors and seniors in good
academic standing; students must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.0.
Prerequisite courses are: SE10, SE194W, and the introductory course in
the area of the Field Study (e.g., E8, C7, or P9).
Links to more Field Study Information & Forms:
- Important Notes & Site Updates
- 2008-2009 Field Study Procedures & Deadlines
- 2007-2008 Field Study Procedures & Deadlines
- Course Enrollment Form
- Summer Field Study Procedures
- Minimum Standards
- Log Form
- Presentations
- Social Ecology 194W Presentation Handout format
- Social Ecology 194W Presentation Slide Show