Internships in Political Science: Best Practices in the Discipline

Session Submission Type: In-Person Roundtable

Session Description

Across all types of institutions of higher education, Political Science internships typically are offered as a co-curricular activity intended to boost the value of an undergraduate degree, and variation among internship experiences abounds. However, reliable, systematic, and practical information about them remains relatively thin and mostly scattered across teaching journals ( PS and JPSE to name two), conference paper sites, websites for organizations (such as The Washington Center), in home institutions, and a few books. In recent years, administrators have come to regard internships as “high impact practices” because they are associated with higher rates of retention and graduation, and faculty members view them as complements to academic work. However, when it comes to internships, it’s not clear what “best practices” in the discipline actually are. This edited volume will offer a set of "best practices" for faculty, students, and administrators across a range of issues by grounding recommendations and standards in pedagogical research. Each chapter will incorporate evidence-based arguments as well as practical tips for designing and implementing a Political Science internship program. Supplemental materials would be included in a companion website.

Sub Unit

• APSA Panels and All Meetings and Receptions

Chair

• Renee B. Van Vechten University of Redlands

Presenters

• Bobbi Gentry Bridgewater College

• Michelle Chin

• Susan L. Wiley George Washington University

• Clinton Jenkins Birmingham-Southern College

• Richard A. Clucas Western Political Science Association

• Arthur H. Auerbach University of Southern California

• Amy Cabrera Rasmussen California State University, Long Beach

• Daniel J Mallinson Penn State, Harrisburg