About Practicum

What is a practicum?

In order to obtain a degree in Women's Studies, you must complete six credit hours of WS 409, an "experiential learning" course.  The purpose of the course is to apply knowledge to experience and to gain skills through working in either a paid job or as a volunteer.  While many students choose to work with community organizations or groups that serve women, are involved in women's issues, or address a variety of social justice issues, there are also opportunities for practicum on campus.  Some students become teaching assistants for Introduction to Women's Studies or other courses offered through the Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Others work in the Women's Resource Center on various projects, such as planning special events or community outreach.  Students may work in schools, hospitals, community organizations, or any other setting in which they may find an appropriate project, such as directing a feminist play or educating men about sexual violence.

How do I arrange my practicum?

Choose an organization

If you need ideas, click here to view a list of practicum opportunities with community partners our students have worked with in the past. If your organization is not listed in the notebook, talk to a WGSS advisor to determine if it is an appropriate placement.  You will need to identify an individual in the organization who will be responsible for supervising your work, and who will agree to complete an evaluation for you at the end of the term. In some cases, you might be working more independently, with supervision and evaluation by the WGSS Chair or other WGSS faculty.

Number of credit hours

Practicum credits are earned by working a set number of hours per week or for the term.  The following is a guide for determining credit hours:

Registration

Practicum are considered credits "by-arrangement," and your faculty advisor must complete a By Arrangement form in order to register you for these credits. Make an appointment with a WGSS advisor during pre-registration or during the first two weeks of the term in order to set up your Practicum credits.

Evaluation

Practicum credits earned off campus are taken Pass/No Pass only. (If you are being supervised by a faculty member, you may receive a grade for the credits if your faculty supervisor agrees.) In order to receive a passing grade, you must return two evaluation forms (one from you and one from your supervisor) to the WGSS office by the end of finals week. The forms are available in the WGSS office or as a downloadable pdf from above. If we do not receive the evaluation forms by the end of finals week, you will receive an Incomplete and will need to talk with your faculty advisor.

Questions? Contact Vicki Reitenauer at 503-725-5847 or vicr@pdx.edu.