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PREFACE The Media and Cultural Studies Internship (SOCI3082) is offered for the Summer (June – August) Summer (June – August) of academic year 2014-2015 by the Department of Sociology. This is a unique learning initiative to enrich students’ education by expanding their horizons and enabling them to integrate classroom learning with the practical world. The internship is particularly designed for Media and Cultural Studies majors to maximize their full potential to engage with the professional world of media and culture. This folder contains: a) an Internship Handbook, which provides general information about the structure and operation of the Media and Cultural Studies Internship; and b) an Internship Manual, which provides general guidelines for interns and learning aspects of the internship. Readers are encouraged to read both the Internship Handbook and Internship Manual before commencing the internship.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 3

2. COURSE CONTENT ..................................................................................... 5

2.1 Aims ................................................................................................... 5

2.2 Components and Descriptions ............................................................ 5

2.3 Work Arrangements ............................................................................ 6

2.4 Academic Requirements ..................................................................... 6

2.5 Co-supervisory System ....................................................................... 6

2.6 Operation of the Course ..................................................................... 6

3. LEARNING MEANS AND OUTCOMES ......................................................... 7

4. ASSESSMENT .............................................................................................. 8

4.1 Overall Program Participation (40%) ................................................... 8

4.2 Reflective Journals (20%) ................................................................... 8

4.3 Project Presentation (10%) ................................................................. 9

4.4 Final Project Report (30%).................................................................. 9

5. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................... 11

5.1 The Department of Sociology ........................................................... 11

5.2 Community Partners (CPs) ............................................................... 11

5.3 Interns .............................................................................................. 13

6. SPECIAL ISSUES ........................................................................................ 15

6.1 Insurance Coverage ......................................................................... 15

6.2 Group Personal Accident Policy ....................................................... 16

6.3 Bad Weather .................................................................................... 16

6.4 Social Action ..................................................................................... 17

7. REFERENCE ............................................................................................... 18

7.1 Forms ............................................................................................... 18

7.2 Abbreviations .................................................................................... 18

7.3 A Generic Timeline of the Course ..................................................... 18

8. APPENDICES .............................................................................................. 19

Appendix A Evaluation Form for Supervisor

Appendix B Leave Application Form

Appendix C Log Sheet

Appendix D Self-evaluation Form for Intern

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Media and Cultural Studies (MCS) is a core multi-disciplinary major offered by

the Department of Sociology (hereafter The Department) in collaboration with

other core departments in the Faculty of Social Sciences (hereafter The Faculty)

as well as with other departments in the University of Hong Kong (hereafter The

University). MCS is intended to provide students with the foundation for

examining the role of media and culture in today’s society, from a variety of

perspectives. It is principally concerned with developing informed and critical

understanding and responses to both the media and the culture, and with

considering relationships between the two.

1.2 MCS offers a number of courses for investigating various topics of media and

culture that touch upon our everyday life (e.g., mass entertainment industries,

popular culture, consumption, gender and sexuality, art and creativity, social and

cultural activism, media and cultural development, and cultural policy analysis).

These courses aim to enable students to understand the connections between

individuals, their communities, and the world, and to deal with pressing

contemporary concerns such as global versus local, modernity versus tradition,

diaspora versus nationalism, and culture versus market.

1.3 The Media and Cultural Studies Internship (SOCI3082) is a special course of

the MCS designed to give MCS majors the chance to integrate their academic

training with hands-on work experience through engagement with the

professional world of media and culture.

1.4 The Media and Cultural Studies Internship was formerly an internship program of

the Faculty (formerly called “Internship in Media and Cultural Studies”,

FOSS3006). Starting from 2009, the Media and Cultural Studies Internship

(SOCI3082) was run by the Department and has become a course independent

of the Faculty. The course has also been changed from a 6-credit compulsory

course to a 12-credit optional course. In conjunction with the student-centred

pedagogical approach of the University, SOCI3082 provides an ideal opportunity

to equip students with both knowledge and skills to work in the media and culture

industries.

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1.5 With full commitment to enriching students’ experiential learning, SOCI3082

continues to improve in quality through the refinement of structure and content,

strengthening of academic inputs, and inclusion of more diverse working partners

in the media and cultural industries.

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2. COURSE CONTENT

2.1 Aims

SOCI3082 is designed to enable students to engage with the professional media and cultural world through working with practitioners; to understand media and cultural issues through first-hand practical experience; to enhance the creative capacities through the promotion of social change; to apply knowledge and skills acquired at the University to the analysis of real-life situations; to develop critical thinking, analytical ability, creativity, and effective interpersonal and communication skills; and to facilitate personal growth and whole-person development.

2.2 Components and Descriptions

2.2.1 Internship Workshop Before undertaking an internship with a Community Partner (CP), students will be required to participate actively in a one-day intensive training workshop. The workshop’s sessions will introduce students to the aims, expectations and key issues related to the internship. In the workshop, students will have opportunities to interact with speakers to critically reflect upon how to become successful interns. More specifically, students will be engaged in exploring the core skills and essential knowledge necessary for the successful completion of their internships.

2.2.2 Placement

Students will be allocated a CP, who will be a practitioner in the field of media and

culture. Interns are expected to integrate classroom learning with practical work

experience in order to develop a better understanding of media and cultural issues in

a real life situation.

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2.3 Work Arrangements

The Internship is offered during the Summer and regular Term-times every academic year. Interns have to work for not less than 280 hours in total. During Summer terms, interns work in full-time mode in accordance with a work schedule agreed upon by the CP and the Department; while during regular Term-time, they work in part-time mode – about one full day or two half days per week. In some situations, when appropriate, Term time interns have to work full-time for a concentrated period, for example, three to four weeks during the winter break, and one week in the reading week, plus other hours to make up the total. The actual schedule of work will be discussed and agreed upon by the interns and the community partner concerned before the internship starts.

2.4 Academic Requirements

To equip interns with the basic skills and knowledge required to meet the demands of the work environment, interns are required to attend training sessions prior to the commencement of internship. Additionally, interns must submit written work, including reflective journals and a final project report on a topic agreed with the respective Academic Tutor (AT). Interns are also required to share their learning experience and outcome at the end of the internship programme by giving an oral presentation.

2.5 Co-supervisory System

The designated supervisor from the CP oversees the intern’s work progress while the AT provides guidance for the intern’s academic coursework.

2.6 Operation of the Course

Each term, the Department identifies several topics of interest in the field of media and culture, such as arts and creativity, media and cultural production, media and cultural policy analysis, minorities/identities studies, social activism, and cultural economy. The Department then approaches potential CPs to establish partnerships that will offer practical opportunities to the students. Once a CP is confirmed, a Partnership Agreement is then signed between the CP and the Department. Students will be matched with the CPs according to mutual references and requirements, but there are no guarantees until the matching exercise is finalised by approval by the CP. The internship commences shortly after the completion of the one-day training workshop.

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3. LEARNING MEANS AND OUTCOMES

Learning Modes

Outcomes

Training Workshop Sessions on working with media and cultural industries.

Equip interns with the basic concepts and skills, both intellectual and practical, required in a work environment.

Placement

Provide interns with an opportunity to gain direct practical experience in actual work environments.

Reflective Journal

Develop critical thinking and analytical ability by reflecting on interns’ direct practical experiences.

Project Presentation Consolidate learning by sharing experiences with other interns.

Final Project Report Strengthen intellectual development in relation to the interns’ learning focus.

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4. ASSESSMENT

SOCI3082 focuses on experiential learning, in which the interns’ self-initiation and exposure are strongly emphasized. Assessment focuses on the interns’ critical reflection on practical work experiences and their abilities to integrate theories and practice in writing individual reports. More specific assessment requirements are as follows:

4.1 Overall Program Participation (40%)

Interns’ learning and work attitudes are revealed in direct practice. Interns’ performances reveal how well they have integrated the skills learned in the training workshop, such as communication and problem solving skill, and reflection upon the actual work. Evaluation consists of three parts: a) Self evaluation 5% b) Community partner evaluation (Mid-term and Final) 30% c) Orientation & training participation evaluation 5% Part a will be undertaken by the student. A copy of the Self-Evaluation Form for Intern is enclosed in Appendix D. Part b will be undertaken by the supervisor, who directly oversees the intern. In order to minimise variations and to unify the standards of different supervisors, the AT is responsible for briefing the supervisors about the common standards of the Department. Grades and marks are decided by the supervisors through discussion with the Academic Tutor. A copy of the Evaluation Form for Supervisor is enclosed in Appendix A. Part c will be undertaken by the Course Coordinator and the AT.

4.2 Reflective Journals (20%)

Reflective journal writing is to be used to demonstrate how far the student is able to reflect on her/his practical experience and utilise it in critical and analytical thinking. Students will need to submit two separate reflective journal entries (1000 words each), which will aid them for developing a better understanding of the agency (or unit/department) in which they are placed and their personal learning objectives therein.

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In the first reflective journal entry, students should write about the agency itself and their personal learning goals in participating in the internship. Some of the topics related to the agency that students might reflect upon in developing this journal are:

a) Agency mission

b) Services provided

c) Signature events

d) Agency organization and leadership

e) Budget and funding sources

f) Agency network (audience, members, patrons, partners, etc.)

g) Office culture (people’s way of doing things)

h) Accomplishments and opportunities

i) Challenges and Threats

In the second reflective journal entry, students should write about whether they have

achieved these learning goals and what they have learned from this internship

experience - personally, intellectually, and professionally. They should highlight certain

analytical issues stimulated by their encounter at work. These issues will form the

basis of the research questions that guide their final project report.

All in all, these two journal entries will help students to reflect critically on their

internship experiences. They should also help students to formulate a final project

report topic that will integrate their internship experience with their MCS learning.

4.3 Project Presentation (10%)

After completing their internship with the CP, students will be expected to make a 20-minute oral presentation of the major points to be highlighted in their final project report. This oral “defense” will allow the student to “test” their report’s ideas in front of fellow students and teachers, who will in turn contribute substantive remarks on how to improve the overall quality of the report. This will be also a golden opportunity for students to share learning experiences with fellow students and teachers to facilitate interaction and information exchange.

4.4 Final Project Report (30%)

Students will be expected to develop and complete a final report on a topic that links

the student’s internship experience with his or her courses taken from MCS.

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To ensure that the “roadmap” for this final report is sound, students will be required to

first submit an outline that will need to include:

a) a thesis statement (a summary of the central argument of the paper);

b) a general outline (a plan for how background information, arguments, refutation

of counter-arguments, and conclusions will be organised; and

c) a bibliography of at least 5 sources.

Further details on how to construct an outline are included in the Internship Manual.

The final project report (4000 words, 12 pt. font, double spaced and one-inch margins)

should resemble a short research paper, with a clear thesis statement, necessary

background information, supporting arguments, and appropriate citations. The final

report shows the students’ ability for conceptual and intellectual integration of issues

related to their learning. Further details of how to construct a short research essay are

included in the Internship Manual.

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5. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1 The Department of Sociology

The Head of the Department, with the assistance of the Course Coordinator and the Academic Tutors (ATs), will administer and monitor the course. The Department acknowledges the necessity to arrange the course according to the changing needs of students and current developments in our society. Therefore, the Department will regularly meet with the Community Partners (CPs) for planning, implementing and evaluating the internship scheme, as well as for exploring the suitability of departments/units in offering internship placements. Given the academic nature of the programme, an AT is assigned to provide each intern with academic advice throughout the internship and to liaise with the CP for any operational problems encountered on site. The AT will also read the interns’ written assignments and assess the presentations of interns as indicators of their academic development. Throughout this programme, the Department will be responsible for: a) preparing students for the internship through orientation and training sessions

prior to the commencement of internship; b) liaising with CPs to ensure the interns’ experiential learning through suitable task

assignments; c) monitoring interns’ learning by giving feedback and providing advice; d) facilitating supervisors’ assessments of interns’ performance through evaluation

meetings with interns and supervisors during the middle and final stages of the internship; and

e) organising the presentation seminars for the interns at the end of the internship.

5.2 Community Partners (CPs)

The Department highly appreciates the commitment of the CP in offering learning opportunities and in supervising the interns. Each CP is asked to undertake the following tasks: 5.2.1 Task assignment The choice of task assignment depends on the planning of the CP. CPs are expected to stipulate learning opportunities and task assignments while liaising with the Department before the internships are taken up by the interns. The task assignment will appear on the Partnership Agreement signed by both the CP and the Department.

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Should there be any changes in the agreed tasks, the CP is required to inform the AT, who will then communicate with the intern concerned. It is essential for the CP, AT and intern to reach consensus about the expectations regarding the nature of the assignments and the workload. 5.2.2 Direct supervision CPs are expected to designate a staff member to supervise the intern in the tasks assigned to him/her in the following ways: a) to brief the student about the mission, structure, function, practice and relevant

administrative procedures of the organisation; b) to introduce the tasks involved and the key personnel that the interns will be

working with; and c) to provide clear instructions and adequate guidance for the smooth

implementation of the tasks. Opening channels for interns to express their expectations, needs and difficulties are encouraged. Each supervisor is also expected to communicate with the respective AT about the intern’s progress and performance, at any time. Based on previous experience, the normal amount of supervisory time should be 1 to 1.5 hours per week in the summer term, when interns will be working on a full-time basis. 5.2.3 Incidental learning opportunities for students CPs are encouraged to give ample opportunities for students to experience administration, policies and practices throughout the internship. It is advisable for each intern to meet with staff other than the supervisor on both formal and informal occasions, to participate in project planning, to attend conferences, and to engage in any other activities which may provide learning opportunities. 5.2.4 Resource support CPs should provide a suitable work environment for each intern. In principle, interns will not receive any payment or other form of emolument unless prior agreement has been made between the CP and the Department. Travel allowance can be provided on a voluntary basis for interns who are required to work on-site away from the office. 5.2.5 Leave approval Leave application procedures are set out as follows: a) Interns should seek endorsement from the CPs at least one week in advance; b) Interns should then seek approval from the Department (attention to the

respective AT) before taking the leave.

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Failure to follow the above leave application procedure may result in mark deduction or failure of the course. No retrospective application for personal leave will be considered. A copy of the Leave Application Form is enclosed in Appendix B. 5.2.6 Performance assessment Supervisors should discuss the interns’ performance with the respective AT and assign both marks and grades on the Evaluation Form for Supervisor (Appendix A). They should also sign the Log Sheet (Appendix C) to endorse the total work hours and corresponding assignments performed by the interns. Any request for a change of work period, hours or nature of the internship should be approved by both the CP and the Department in writing. The Department will organise presentation seminars providing an opportunity for interns to share the learning experience and exchange ideas. Supervisors will be invited to participate in the relevant session. 5.2.7 Feedback from CP Other than evaluation meetings, supervisors are invited to communicate with the ATs closely about issues relating to the internship and the intern’s performance whenever necessary.

5.3 Interns

5.3.1 General expectations of interns Interns taking SOCI3082 are expected to take the initiative to learn by acquiring direct experience in the following areas: a) exposure to relevant social issues; b) understanding of relevant policies; c) learning of relevant strategies/ practices; d) development of analytical, interpersonal and team work skills, and critical thinking; and e) integration of classroom learning into real-life situations. 5.3.2 Attendance and written work required by the Department Prior to the commencement of internship, each intern must participate in the orientation and training sessions. In addition to the submission of written papers, participation in seminars and presentation of projects after the practice are also required.

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Each intern should complete the full internship programme. In case of illness or absence, interns should report to the supervisor and AT by telephone and supplement the application with a copy of the medical certificate. An intern who is absent under those conditions is expected to make up time to complete the agreed tasks or projects. To facilitate prompt response to problems that may arise during the internship and to further improve the course, interns are required to fill in a Self-evaluation Form for Intern (Appendix D) at mid-term and at the end of the internship. 5.3.3 Relationship with CP During the internship, each intern should work under the instruction and guidance of the supervisor. Each intern is expected to comply with the policies and procedures of the CP, and to collaborate and cooperate closely with the supervisor and colleagues. Verbal reports regarding work progress should be conducted with supervisors periodically. In case of emergency, interns should notify and seek advice from the supervisor and AT immediately. 5.3.4 Work arrangement Students should report to their supervisors or ATs if the work assigned is inappropriate or does not match with the work descriptions stated in the offer letter. 5.3.5 Resource support Interns will be provided with suitable work environment by the CPs. The CP may provide travel subsidy on a voluntary basis to interns who are required to work on-site away from the office. 5.3.6 Seeking signed approval Interns are required to complete the Log Sheets (Appendix C) and obtain endorsement from their supervisors. The Leave Application Form (Appendix B) should be endorsed by the supervisor and approved by the Department (attention to the respective AT) for any leave taken during the internship period. If applying for sick leave, a medical certificate should be attached to the application form (with the supervisor’s signature) and sent to the Department (attention to the respective AT) for record purposes.

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6. SPECIAL ISSUES

6.1 Insurance Coverage

All students who pay a composition fee are allowed to use the services available in

the University Health Service (UHS) according to their entitlements. Students who

sustain injuries or incur sickness in the course of their University work are entitled to

treatment at the UHS.

Where injury or sickness occurs in Hong Kong but outside of the University premises

(e.g. during field trips, project work or site visits), the normal UHS service is still

available.

However, for field work conducted outside Hong Kong where the facilities of the

University Health Service are not available, the University has arranged a general

insurance coverage for overseas medical expenses incurred by students up to the

limit of $25,000 under the Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy and $400,000

under the Corporate Business Travel Insurance Policy. Where appropriate, a separate

Group Travel Insurance Policy will be arranged by the University. For reimbursement

purpose, a student who sustains injury has to produce to the Finance and Enterprises

Office the receipted medical bill (endorsed by a certified medical doctor with diagnosis

indicated) together with a certification from the Head of Department concerned that

the student is undergoing training activities arranged by the University at that

time. For details on the insurance coverage, please contact the Finance and

Enterprises Office through e-mail at insurance@fo.hku.hk.

In addition to the standard insurance coverage provided by the University, students

may personally arrange additional coverage at their own expense.

Students should note that the University does not insure any personal cash or

property of students situated either in the University or in their living quarters. If

insurance cover is required, it is entirely up to the student concerned to arrange this

personally.

* Excerpt from Student Services, Full-time Undergraduate Handbook 2014-2015.

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6.2 Group Personal Accident Policy

Students are provided with basic primary health care by the University Health Service

and subsidized hospitalisation where required (within the range of services and

facilities available) for injury or sickness occurred within Hong Kong irrespective of

whether within or outside the University premises (e.g. during field trips, project work,

or site visits).

The Group Personal Accident policy will also enable the University to make an

ex-gratia payment up to $100,000 for death or permanent disablement sustained by a

student whilst engaging in University work carried out either within or outside Hong

Kong.

* Excerpt from Department Financial Administration (DFA) No. 10 – Insurance. (Item:

IV Students)

6.3 Bad Weather

Interns are expected to follow the instructions of the University when Tropical Storm Warning Signal No. 8 (or a higher number) or the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is hoisted. The following instructions are derived from Arrangements during Bad Weather, Full-time Undergraduate Handbook 2014-2015: When the Tropical Storm Warning Signal No.3 or the Red Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force, it should be assumed that all interns will continue the duties as scheduled unless the supervisor has given special instructions. 6.3.1 For interns who have not arrived at their agencies or commenced their work If either the Tropical Storm Signal No. 8 (or above) or the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is hoisted or in force at or after 06:00, interns will be exempted from morning duties scheduled before 14:00. If either of the warnings is hoisted or in force at or after 11:00, interns will be exempted from afternoon duties scheduled at any time after 14:00 and before 18:00. If either of the warnings is hoisted or in force at or after 15:00, interns will be exempted from evening duties scheduled from 18:00 onwards. 6.3.2 For interns who have arrived at their agencies or commenced their work When the Tropical Storm Warning Signal No.8 (or above) or the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is hoisted, interns are expected to terminate all outdoor activities in progress and inform the supervisors immediately. With the consent of the

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supervisors, interns may continue the indoor activities and services provided that safe shelter for the interns and the service recipients is guaranteed. If there is no secure venue possible, interns should ensure all service recipients (if any) are taken to a safe place, and remain there until it is safe for them to leave. * The above arrangements should be followed by all CPs in Hong Kong except those who have special needs and those who have other agreements that have been reached with the Department beforehand.

6.4 Social Action

There may be concern about interns’ participation in certain events, such as sit-ins, demonstrations, petitions etc., which a CP may invite interns to join. Interns may want to know if help should be provided or event(s) should be participated in. In such cases, we should always bear in mind that “learning” is the prime objective of SOCI3082. The Department fully believes in interns’ abilities to use proper judgment. If interns feel that certain activities that they are told to help organize or to participate in are inconsistent with their own beliefs, they should discuss this matter with their supervisors and ATs. The Department encourages interns to consult their supervisors, and it is up to interns’ discretion to participate in such activities if they feel they are suitable.

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7. REFERENCE

For further information and softcopy versions of the following forms, please visit our website at www.hku.hk/sociodep/MCSProgramme.html

7.1 Forms

Evaluation Form for Supervisor (See Appendix A) Leave Application Form (See Appendix B) Log Sheet (See Appendix C) Self-evaluation Form for Intern (See Appendix D)

7.2 Abbreviations

The University The University of Hong Kong

The Faculty The Faculty of Social Sciences

The Department The Department of Sociology

MCS Media and Cultural Studies

SOCI3082 Media and Cultural Studies Internship

CP Community Partner

AT Academic Tutor

7.3 A Generic Timeline of the Course

Summer Internship Term-time Internship

Application submission February July

Individual interview by MCS teachers Application sent to CPs for consideration

March August

Interview by CPs April / May September

Orientation workshop Placement AT pays visit to CP CP and self evaluation First reflective journal

June October – February

Second reflective journal AT pays visit to CP CP and self evaluation Project presentation Final project report

July / August April - May

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8. APPENDICES