Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Credits from this course of study do not qualify for general education purposes at Portland Community College, but may be applied as elective credits towards satisfying Associate Degrees at Portland Community College and may be transferable as elective credits to four-year colleges and universities. Students should consult with a PCC academic adviser and/or other institutions regarding transferability of cooperative education or internship credits.  The course may be repeated.

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

• Apply sociological learning objectives to relevant social issues demonstrated at their work site.

• Develop critical thinking skills related to sociological issues.

• Identify ways to become engaged in their communities.

• Learn skill-sets at the work site that increase personal and professional competencies.

• Explore career opportunities utilizing workplace contacts and resources.

Cooperative Education courses are designed by the student in consultation with his/her chosen Field Supervisor, the Cooperative Education Specialist on a particular PCC campus, and a designated Sociology Instructor. Activities must be agreed upon by all who are associated with the designed course of study, with specific activities clearly associated with learning objectives the student is seeking to achieve. All relevant forms must be properly filled out and signed, as specified on each PCC campus. Registration must be completed before hours begin to accrue.

Reflection assignments will be determined at the discretion of the instructor, in consultation with the Cooperative Education specialist on any particular PCC campus.

Students will demonstrate learning outcomes by completing a combination of the following tasks:

• Complete agreed upon hours and engage in the identified activities

• Develop and submit self-reflection assignment(s) on learning experiences through a written report, journal entries, oral presentation, portfolio or other means appropriate to their career field, as approved by the instructor

• Participate in an end-of-term evaluation process. Field supervisors will complete an evaluation of the student's performance and meet with the instructor during a site visit

This course of study is graded on a Pass/No Pass basis, with a grade submitted upon the completion of assigned tasks by the students and a site visit and evaluation completed by the instructor and Field Supervisor. The Sociology Instructor will assign all final grades.

Concepts, Themes, Issues

After completing this course, the student should have a basic understanding of:

1. The sociological issue(s) and broader social structures and cultures associated with their field site

2. The social significance of tasks performed and outcomes achieved

3. The relevance of the field site to future educational and  job opportunities

Competencies and Skills:

1. Enhance assessment and analysis skills of social issues

2. Develop transferable and task-specific work skills

3. Navigate the organizational structure of the work site

4. Practice active citizenship skills

5. Identify areas for improvement in career competencies

6. Participate in self-reflection