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Urban Research and Curriculum Transformation Institute (URCTI)
 URCTI internships are offered to graduate and undergraduate university students so that they can gain experience doing full-time ethnographic researchin partnership with community-based organizations in Chicago. It is conducted as participatory action research in that The Field Museum has involved the community group in defining the research question so that the community group can take action based on the results, for example, to change housing policy, to mobilize the community against polluters, or to deliver health education programs. The research also contributes to a body of work that documents aspects of social and cultural change occurring in the Chicago metropolitan region.
In addition to conducting participatory action research, interns receive training in creative ways to communicate their research to the public. Interns are exposed to a variety of media formats used to develop research into public education programs.
So far, the graduates of this program have investigated a wide range of issues affecting Chicago's diverse communities, such as displacement due to gentrification, environmental awareness, building community through community gardening, informal communication networks, and arts assets. Public education strategies have included a proposed forum series, community-based photography exhibit, an interactive role-playing game, a community newsletter, and a World Wide Web portal.
Research Projects
Research projects require the intern to immerse themselves in the neighborhood site, which for 2003 included Englewood, Chicago Lawn, North Kenwood-Oakland, South Chicago, and Austin with the groups of Imagine Englewood if..., Southwest Youth Collaborative, Communitario Centro Juan Diego, Lake Park Crescent, North Town Village, and Bethel New Life. Institute staff meets with the groups prior to intern arrival in order to determine the research questions. Interns are placed with community-based organizations in fieldwork projects that accommodate their interests. Research projects are developed within overarching themes of power and influence in Chicago, cultural exchange, community development and quality of life, education and youth, violent crime, civic organizing, jobs, and open space and environment.
Weekly Seminars
Field research is supplemented by weekly seminars held at The Field Museum where students come together with Institute staff for lectures, advising, group discussion of their fieldwork, and training in creative strategies of public education. Guest lecturers include museum curatorial, exhibits and education staff, as well as community organizers, urban researchers, and media specialists.
Public Anthropology
Anthropology has much to say about current urban concerns, and this program is designed to encourage creative ways to communicate anthropology's voice to the public. Toward this end, students engage in dialogues with guest lecturers, visiting professors and each other to develop feasible formats for communicating their research to the public, and how their research might impact public policy. A variety of media formats, such as workshops, seminars, exhibitions, video presentations, symposia, publications for a lay audience, and Web site development are considered.
Program Requirements
The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students of the social sciences. Students should have some training in qualitative research methods before applying. Students should be prepared to be "in the field" in Chicago, and to dedicate themselves to their research projects -- immersion is key. Student internships begin mid-June and end mid-August.
Stipend and Course Credit
Interns receive a stipend for this full time, eight-week fieldwork period. If desired, course credit can be prearranged through students' respective universities.
Application
To apply for the program, send
- a resume/C.V.
- a cover letter listing coursework or relevant fieldwork experience
- an explanation of why you are interested in the URCTI Internship
Deadline is March 1, 2005 or until all positions are filled. Funding is pending for 2005.
Applications can be sent to:
Josh Ostergaard, Urban Programs Coordinator, Center for Cultural Understanding and Change, The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605-2496, or send email to jostergaard@fieldmuseum.org or fax 312 665 7193.
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