Academic requirements

Choosing the activity

You should indicate to Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) early that you have an interest in pursuing a Field Studies course. You will then decide what kind of field studies opportunity meets your goals. It can be international or domestic. An appropriate placement normally involves approximately four months with at least 30 to 40 full-time contact days with the host agency. Some resources are available through the PACS office or through the Centre for Career Action on the Waterloo campus to help with finding an appropriate placement. 

Submit a proposal

Once accepted by a host agency for a placement, you will prepare a proposal to be submitted to the PACS Administrative Group, through the PACS office, for review and approval. The proposal will include the following:

1. A short description of the host agency including:
   • location
   • work they are doing
   • how long they have existed
   • their contact information
   • administrative setup of the agency
2. A brief description of what you expect to contribute to the agency. Include a copy of the job description they have given you, if possible. Briefly explain what experience and training you have to fulfil those requirements.
3. Comment on how this program builds on your PACS studies.
4. What do you expect to be the outcomes of this experience? How do these outcomes fit into your long term goals?
5. Briefly discuss the academic components from your placement that you expect to submit to your academic advisor. Usually this will be a reflective learning journal.
6. If you have other ideas for your academic work, please discuss these with your advisor or the Director of PACS prior to submitting your proposal.
7. What do you expect your living situation to be like?
8. What costs will be involved? If you are planning to apply to PACS for financial aid for your field study, submit a budget outlining the costs you expect to incur. 
9. List a preliminary bibliography of materials (books, websites, journal articles) you will read that will help you prepare for this experience.
10. Include a copy of your acceptance letter from the host agency confirming your participation as an intern with their organization.

Proposal deadlines are as follows:

• Field Studies beginning in the following Winter (January) term - October 30
• Field Studies beginning in the following Spring/Summer (May) term - February 28
• Field Studies beginning in the following Fall (September) term - June 30

Field Studies advisor

Once approved, you are assigned an advisor who will help to clarify the academic work and will be available to you throughout their placement. They will also advise you on when to sign up for Field Studies (PACS 390). They may complete an Agreement on Academic Requirements (PDF) with you. Most likely the academic work required for the placement portion of the credit will be a keeping a learning journal.

Credit & Grading

A student who successfully completes a PACS Field Studies placement can receive up to one full credit (two half-credits). PACS 390 is the credit for the work placement and journal. A student may also wish to explore a topic related to their Field Studies. This is done through a Directed Reading (PACS 398 or 399). The Directed Reading component will most likely involve the production of a substantive paper that integrates personal experience with academic research and reflection. All of these elements are worked out in consultation with an advisor.

The grade for the course(s) will be assigned by the advisor on the basis of these written submissions.