Overview The Chicago Center Academic Semester integrates 2 seminars, an internship and city living.

Spend three days a week in a professional internship, study the issues of race, class, culture and art in the "Chicago Communities and Cultures Seminar" (1 day a week) and complete a hands-on research project in your field with the "Directed Study" (1 day a week).

Like all our programs, the academic semester is designed to give you professional development, critical thinking skills and personal growth. The semester is a great way to re-invigorate your college experience, earn credit, and test your vocational goals!

Live cooperatively in Chicago Center apartments in the lakefront neighborhood Hyde Park! More

Step into the world of real work, making a difference and strengthening your own professional development. Our internships range from the non-profit sector to the corporate skyscraper, from art galleries to cutting-edge theatre. Whatever your interest areas, we'll help you develop them further.

Our Academic Semester orientation includes an interview workshop and you contacting potential sites. You will make the final decision about which internship is best suited to meet your goals, and our staff is here to guide you through the process.

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Directed Study Syllabus

Chicago Seminar Syllabus

Earn up to 16 credit hours total (see course descriptions above and below for details)

This core academic course focuses on the ethnic, religious, racial and economic diversity of  Chicago's populations.  You will visit the city's neighborhoods, be introduced to major political and economic institutions, and meet with community leaders. 

You’ll get to know the broad range of art forms thriving in Chicago, including blues and jazz, museums, poetry, off-Loop art galleries, dance, film and theater.

The requirements of the Chicago Communities & Cultures Seminar include participation in activities and discussions, a completed journal, written assignments, a group project, and reading required textbooks and the daily paper.  The Seminar is all day once a week and includes occasional weekend events. 

Chicago Communities & Cultures Syllabus

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Under the guidance of a Chicago Center instructor, you will design and implement a field study research project. The Directed Study class meets once a week for 2-3 hours.  One morning or afternoon a week is set aside for research.

As a major part of your study, you will utilize the vast resources of the city to do primary research through interviews, observation, surveys and/or other research methods.

Throughout the term, you will engage in various exercises that build toward your final project. Although all students will have a common field design, each student tailors their project to engage with the city in their own way, related to their major and interest areas.  Directed Study results are presented at the end of the term.

Directed Study Syllabus