Senior Papers and Internships

Senior Paper (WMST 4965) - Senior Papers/Projects in Women’s Studies demonstrate a student’s ability to define a problem or issue of interest and effectively address this area through a research or creative project.  Students may want to model their senior papers on a professional journal article in their field.  Students electing to do a senior project within Fine Arts may pursue a creative project that should be accompanied by an artist’s narrative which analyzes the project and explains its significance to Women’s Studies’ scholarship. 

The paper/project will show evidence of original insight as well as familiarity with pertinent scholarly/creative work. There is no set format as to length, citation style, and type of research/exhibits/compositions will vary depending on content and field of inquiry. Students should anticipate that the work necessitated by the senior paper/project will equal the work in other three hour credit courses (approximately 8-9 hours/week for a 15 week semester, 130 hours per semester). Students should begin consulting the Program Director during her/his junior year for guidelines and expectations, as well as to register.

Recent Senior Papers (and Honor’s Projects) in Women’s Studies:

Gary King (Su, 06): Masculinity and Treatment for Alcohol Dependency

Andrea Gable-Mower (Sp, 06): Domestic Violence in Russia

Emily Cram (Sp ’06): “Compulsory Monosexism: Bisexual Epistemologies and the Challenge to queer Movement Politics” WINNER of the best undergraduate paper award at the Gender In Everyday Life Conference

Courtney Campbell (Su, 05): “The Fight Has Just Begun” A Feminist Call to Action”

Abra Soule (Sp, 05): “Blogging as Art: Intersections and Representations”

Rachelle Nesta (Sp, 05): “A Further Examination of the Wage Gap in Wyoming”

Sarah Vanderpoel (Sp, 05): Art Exhibit: Gender Representations

Rachel Ward (Fall, 04): “Women in Science: An Intellectual Community Course”
 

Internship (WMST 4970) :  Students will gain practical experience in the application of principles learned in women's studies courses. Students will work with the director of women's studies internships and select a site; will intern approximately ten hours per week in the host organization; and will complete written assignments which reflect the student's work. Prerequisites: 12 semester hours of women's studies course work, including WMST 1080 and 3500 or 3710 and consent of instructor. (Offered both semesters)

What are the goals of the Internship Program?

The objective is to provide students in their senior year with practical experiences in the application of principles learned in Women’s Studies Courses.  The program also benefits the internship site because students can provide an extra pair of hands to tackle a variety of needs.

Who coordinates the Program?

Jessica Bryski oversees the Internship Program.  She is available to answer questions about the internship program and to help students set up an internship 

How long are Internships?

Internships may take place during any semester.  Students work approximately 130 hours to complete internship requirements.  This includes both on-site and academic components.

Who supervises interns?

The intern will have a supervisor at the internship site.  The faculty member will supervise the academic portion of the internship.  The internship coordinator will assist all parties with any problems that may arise.

Of what does the academic component consist?

Student interns will work closely with a faculty member on the academic portion of the internship.  This will typically consist of readings relevant to the placement. The faculty member and student will decide at the beginning of the internship how often they will meet during the semester and the reading that needs to be done by the student.  The student will keep a journal of their internship experience like a daily log,  and write a final reflective paper of approximately 10 pages.

Who decides the final grade for the internship?

The faculty supervisor will decide the final grade (S/U) with input from the site supervisor.  The internship coordinator will collect comments from the faculty and site supervisors for assessment purposes.

How many credits are earned through the Women’s Studies Internship program?

Students earn three credit hours.

Are there any prerequisites for the Women’s Studies Internship?

Yes.  Students are required to have completed twelve semester hours of Women’s Studies coursework, including WMST 1080 and 3500 or 3710

What are some of recent placements for Women’s Studies Interns: 

Women’s Studies students work with the internship coordinator to find a placement. Often students already have a site in mind.  Recent examples include working with the Albany County Safe House; the STOP Violence Project; the Wyoming Women’s Foundation, the Downtown Clinic, Albany County Drug Court, the Eppson Senior Center, the UW libraries, the American Heritage Center, and the Intro to WMST class.  Some students have completed internships while pursuing studies elsewhere. 

For more information, or to begin the process of developing a Women’s Studies Internship, contact

Jessica Bryski                                                                           
Women’s Studies Program                                             Ross Hall 100
College of Arts and Sciences                                         (307) 766-2733
Dept. 4297                                                                         (307) 766-2555 (fax)
1000 E. University Ave.                                       wmst@uwyo.edu
Laramie, WY  82071