SOCIAL SCIENCES > FIELD EXPERIENCE
Field
Experience
Field experience is an important component in the study of sociology.
By working with a non-profit, government, or private organization, students
increase their understanding of community-based work, and apply the
sociological concepts learned in their Wartburg College courses. The
community sociology faculty member works closely with students to identify
appropriate field experience sites, and through the term of the field
experience.
What our students say about their field experience:
"Through my field experience
with a local law firm I received hands on experience. After valuable
hours of investigation, interviews, and reading files, I realized that
I have a love for the law, but not the practice of law. This field experience
helped me define more clearly what I want to pursue, and I’m combining
community sociology, psychology, and my love for law in a criminology
graduate program."
- Breanne Pleggenkuhle ‘06, Community Sociology and Psychology
"I have a career goal
of helping others through firefighting and being a paramedic specialist.
My field experience with Sartori Hospital’s ambulance crew in
Cedar Falls has given me valuable hands-on experience. Working 24 hour
shifts and assisting in every emergency call in Cedar Falls, I gained
a complete understanding of the demands and lifestyle of this career."
- Ben Anderson,
Community Sociology ‘06
"As a history major,
I wasn’t sure how I would connect my discipline to a community
sociology field experience. But I soon learned where my experience could
combine history with community sociology. I completed a field experience
with the Bremer County Conservation Board, completing research on Pioneer
Cemeteries in Bremer County and helping with the Pioneer Cemetery walk
for elementary students. I also went to local schools and talked about
Native American heritage. Through this experience I learned a lot about
myself, about time management, and working with children. I now know
I love to work with children and want to educate them about preservation
of all aspects of their communities for future generations."
- Wendy Percifield,
History ‘06
"Throughout my life
I have asked questions about equality and social structure, and through
community sociology I have had opportunities for both hands-on experience
and theoretical examination of these areas. My first field experience
was at Longfellow Elementary School in Waterloo, a school that has experienced
neglect and the impact of institutional racism. Along with two other
community sociology majors, I worked on the Learn it, Use it after school
program. The program introduces students to community programs and opportunities
through discussion and activity. Following this experience, I decided
to delay graduate school in urban sociology, and instead pursue community-based
work addressing poverty and institutional inequality. I will complete
a second field experience in summer 2006 at Central City Lutheran Mission
in San Bernadino California where I hope to lean more about working
for a non-profit organization in a diverse community."
- Chris Widmer, Community
Sociology and Psychology ‘07
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