What is Applied Cultural Studies?

The applied program integrates the disciplines of sociology and anthropology and strives to prepare its majors for a career and a life in an information and global society by giving them a strong background in qualitative and quantitative research methods and an appreciation for cultural diversity. The background in methods gives students the skills to recognize and create high-quality information. An appreciation for cultural diversity within and between groups ensures that in gathering that information students venture outside the familiar and comfortable confines of their own social circles for input and feedback. These skills are important because in an information society the majority of workers spend their time processing, gathering, creating, and/or distributing information. This major seeks to produce students who can work with business firms, public organizations, agencies, and programs as information gatherers, research designers, and program evaluators.

What is the ACS Program Designed To Do?

The objectives of the program in Applied Cultural Studies are to provide students with a broad background in the logic and methods of qualitative and quantitative research, to conduct research in various settings, and to gain the academic background necessary to gain employment or to pursue graduate work. To accomplish these objectives, students take introductory and basic methods courses in sociology and anthropology, and courses that emphasize cultural diversity within and between groups. The capstone of the program is on-the-job experience in gathering and analyzing data, and in reporting the results in an agency or institution through the practicum courses.

Students who complete the ACS program will have qualifications that are highly desirable in the current job market. These include:

(1) flexibility in using research skills in a variety of career paths;

(2) familiarity with the operation of computers and with the use of social science applications programs; experience in field research; and

(3) the ability to organize information and to communicate research results in a clear and useful manner.

What is a Practicum?

A goal of the ACS degree is to include a solid preparation in qualitative and quantitative research, giving the student marketable research skills that can be used to obtain a job or to attend graduate school. An important part of the ACS degree program is the practicum, in which the student has an opportunity to carry out research in the community. The practicum may include such activities as constructing and conducting surveys, working with computers, interviewing clients, conducting social impact analysis, performing needs assessments, writing grants, evaluating programs, or similar work.

The practicum component of the ACS program is designed to provide students with comprehensive professional preparation. It enables students to gain knowledge and professional skills in applied research and provides them with the opportunity to measure their interest in this type of work. The practicum integrates classroom learning with practical, on-site experiences in the field. It is a vital part of the ACS curriculum. In cooperation with the program coordinator, the practicum placement is selected to fit the students' personal interests.

The objectives of the practicum experience are:

(1) to enable students to apply their research skills in a variety of settings;
(2) to familiarize students with the structure, administration, and policies of the organization in which they work; and
(3) to acquaint students with the variety of research needs and opportunities in the Tri-State area.

Who Does What in a Practicum?

A. The Student's Responsibilities

Each of the six steps outlined below should be completed in the semester before the beginning of the practicum.

(1) Make sure all prerequisites for SOC/ANT 461 or 462 are completed.
(2) Sign up for SOC/ANT 461 or 462 as appropriate during advanced registration.
(3) Meet with ACS program coordinator during advanced registration to determine preferences and opportunities for practicum placement.
(4) Meet with contact person at agency or organization.
(5) Reach agreement with coordinator on final practicum selection.
(6) Write a letter of agreement to agency or organization outlining the tasks to be completed.
(7) Complete and turn in the research report before the end of the semester.

Students in practicum are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, with special attention to ethical issues and to the confidentiality of the information they are handling. Dress and conduct should be appropriate and consistent with that of other workers at the practicum site. Agreed-upon work schedules should be strictly observed. Any difficulties encountered during the practicum should be brought to the attention of the ACS program coordinator as soon as possible.

B. The Coordinator's Responsibilities

(1) Advise students on practicum requirements and possible practicum sites.
(2) Keep a file of available practicum sites.
(3) Establish and maintain contact with students and clients while practice is in progress.
(4) Meet with students regularly to discuss practicum progress and performance.
(5) Evaluate final product and assign semester grade.

C. The Client's Responsibilities

(1) Establish agreement with students on the nature and extent of the research task.
(2) Designate work space for students and provide access to data sources as needed.
(3) Provide orientation to familiarize students with the purpose and basic operations of the organization.
(4) Meet with students and/or coordinators to discuss problems and progress.
(5) Discuss student performance with coordinator and help determine an appropriate grade.

To see examples of practicums, click here.

Contact the Applied Cultural Studies Program at NKU ----ACS home ----NKU home