Independent Learning & the English Major

The independent learning requirement is one of the hallmarks of a Simmons education.  Independent learning allows for a rigorous intellectual experience that enables the student to attain both depth and practice in her chosen discipline, to sustain a longer term project on her own initiative, and to connect her academic work with future employment or graduate study.

The independent learning requirement constitutes a minimum of eight semester hours of a student's program and no more than sixteen semester hours. All types of independent learning should increase a student's ability to conceptualize, organize, and synthesize ideas, at the same time that they reinforce written and other forms of communication skills. Independent learning emphasizes student initiative, planning, and implementation on a contractual basis and should encourage autonomy, the development of confidence and discipline, and the strengthening of creative problem solving skills through an active learning process.

In order to ensure the highest academic quality, students in experiential and independent learning courses receive ongoing supervision by faculty members with appropriate areas of expertise. While students have primary responsibility for the success of these courses, independent learning should include regularly scheduled conferences and/or group meetings, frequent evaluation of student performance by an instructor and a site supervisor (if applicable), and communication between the faculty and the supervisor to support the academic and professional development of the student.

It is important that independent learning experiences advance a student's learning further than is possible in the existing curriculum, either by testing theory in an experimental setting or by exploring material in more depth or with more refined methods of inquiry. Students usually satisfy their independent learning requirement in their major; however, a student may develop, with the consent of her advisor and department, such an activity in any discipline appropriate to her program.

As an English Major, your Independent Learning Requirement options must total 8 semester hours and can include: 350: Independent Study (4hrs); 350 + 355: Senior Thesis (8hrs); 380: Field Work (4hrs); 370: Internship or Student Teaching (8hrs); 390: Seminar in Literary Scholarship (4hrs) or Special Extra Project in a 300-level course (4hrs - discuss with instructor.)

English 370 & 380: Internship & Field Experience

The English Department offers its majors the opportunity to do either an 8-credit internship (Eng. 370) or a 4-credit field experience (Eng. 380) to fulfill the college's independent learning requirement.

Recent internships from the English department include:

Internships are usually done in the senior year, most often in the spring semester, and are designed to demonstrate to the student how her academic skills-the ability to conduct research, write, and edit-may be used in professional settings. Students majoring in English would enroll in English 370 or 380. Students who have elected a double major may select either English 370/380 or the internship reflection course associated with their major.

The student spends 2-2 1/2 hours a week for each hour of academic credit; thus a 4 credit field experience requires 8-10 hours in the office, an 8 credit internship 16-20 hours. The student is assigned her duties by the employer (mentor/supervisor) to whom she reports.

On campus, the student registers and participates in English 370 or English 380, which meets once per week for one and one half hours. Interns are required to complete four assignments for evaluation: a work plan with individual training goals, a once a week e-journal, a commentary paper or creative project, and a career portfolio. The students end the semester with a 10-minute oral presentation about their internship experience.

In order to locate the best internship opportunity, it is important to start early the semester before you would like to locate your internship. The first step is to identify your interests, values, and skills and how they relate to internship options. The professionals in the Career Education Center, P304, will help you learn more about yourself and your career and internship options. Make an appointment by calling 617-521-2488. The Career Education Center meets with first year students through seniors about everything from choosing a major and selecting an internship to conducting an after-graduation job search. We can connect you with professionals for informational interviews and non-credit internships before your senior year. Feel free to start the process at any time during your Simmons experience.

Successful Internship Search Guidelines

This information applies to English majors who want to enroll in the English Department Internship Program for the spring, summer or fall semesters. Register for: English 370 /English 380.

Career Session or Orientation
It's never too early to start! Schedule an appointment at the Career Education Center, P304, to explore internship options and develop a plan or attend an orientation session. Watch for scheduled times emailed to you directly. Make sure your email address is on file with the English Department.

Career Planning
The Career Education Center at Simmons College provides workshops and specialists to help students pursue their professional goals. For more information about services offered, go to their website at http://my.simmons.edu/services/cec/, call 617-521-2488, or visit them in P304.

In addition to a fantastic physical library, the Career Education Center also maintains an online resource library at http://my.simmons.edu/libraries/collections/career/.

Internship Interest Form
Complete the internship interest form and bring it to the Career Education Center by October 15 for Spring and February 14 for Summer/Fall.

Individual Career Appointments/ Self-Assessment, Resumes and Interviewing
Arrange a career counseling appointment to help you further clarify your internship and career interests, develop a resume or receive help on your cover letter. Your resume can be tailored to match your internship interests. Resume and interview assistance is available by attending either a workshop or by individual appointment. You can also request an informational interview through ALUMNET to learn more about career areas and help you prepare for interviews. Attend other career appointments as helpful!

Contacts
You will have a final resume critique and receive contact information. Participate in a video taped mock interview. Bring your course registration form for a consent signature. Register for English 370 or English 380. After this meeting, send out your cover letter and resumes to potential employers. Follow-up with potential employers a week later to arrange interviews.

Interview and Thank You Letters
It is helpful to go out on at least three interviews at three different potential sites. Send thank you letters after your interviews. Arrange follow-up career counseling appointments or feel free to check in by email.

Final Arrangements
Contact career services about your final internship decision. After receiving the offer, contact the employer to formally accept the offer and arrange start-date and internship schedules. Make sure to follow up with any additional employers to withdraw your candidacy. Always be positive and appreciative and thank them for their time. Protect your contacts and ours! Meet with your internship employer to complete the internship contract prior to the start of class. Make a copy of the contract for you: submit the original to Career Services.

***Registration
Sign up for the field experience, English 380, the internship, or English 370. You will begin work at the beginning of the following semester and complete it when classes end.