DSNM 393
MERCHANDISING INTERNSHIP

1. Catalog entry

DSNM 393. Merchandising Internship
Two hundred hours field experience (2).

Prerequisites : DSN 390 and DSNM 385 (Grade of “C” or better).

Course includes 200 hours of field experience in a merchandising center approved by the Departmental Internship Committee; two semester hours required. This course may be repeated for no more than 8 semester hours credit (2, 2, 2, 2). A grade of Pass/Fail is awarded by the departmental internship coordinator.

2. Detailed Description of Content of Course

This course provides an experiential learning opportunity. Through the application of basic principles previously learned in the discipline, the student obtains career related skills and knowledge. Specific content to be determined by the student, internship provider and the departmental internship coordinator.

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course provides the student with on-the-job experiences in a specific area of his/her discipline. The student will work under the supervision of an on-site supervisor and the departmental internship coordinator.

4. Goals and Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will demonstrate:

• Knowledge of various business documents and procedures gained through field experience.
• Knowledge of realistic demands that confront an individual working in the merchandising profession.
• Ability to assess the appropriateness of the current career goals.
• Ability to evaluate individual strengths and weaknesses related to on-the-job experience.
• Ability to identify and appraise potential opportunities for permanent employment.
• Understanding of business and professional practices including budget and information management, contract administration, certification, licensing and industry protocol gained through field experience.
• Competency in time management and documentation skills.

5. Assessment Measures

Daily and weekly logs are required and monitored by the departmental internship coordinator. Student performance is assessed by the internship site supervisor. A written and oral presentation of internship experience is required after “on-the-job” experience is completed. Site supervisor and departmental internship coordinator will evaluate the student’s performance in the internship experience. The grade of pass/fail is assigned by the departmental internship coordinator after successful completion of all class requirements are achieved.

6. Other Course Information

This is a third-year course required for all DSNM majors. Offered once a year. Summer semester.

7. Approval and Subsequent Reviews

DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
December 2002 New Course Dr. Susan Barnard, Chair