Bryn Mawr College

Praxis Levels

Praxis I: Departmental Courses

A Praxis I departmental course uses fieldwork as a form of experiential learning to enrich the study and understanding of a single disciplinary topic.

Fieldwork typically constitutes 25% of total coursework assigned.

Students typically complete one fieldsite visit per week (approximately 2-4 hours per visit).

Students are eligible for Praxis I courses according to departmental guidelines (see the Course Guide).

Praxis II: Interdepartmental Seminar

A Praxis II interdepartmental seminar is a multidisciplinary course combining more substantial fieldwork with an academic focus on a central topic (geographic location, historical period, social issue, etc.) studied from several disciplinary perspectives. For example, some class sessions might include public presentations from visiting lecturers (including Bryn Mawr faculty). Other class sessions will be devoted to analysis of students' fieldwork experiences through the interpretive lens provided by the lectures and ongoing discussions.

Fieldwork typically constitutes 50% of total coursework assigned.

Students typically complete two fieldsite visits per week (approximately 2-4 hours per visit).

Praxis II courses are available to sophomores and above in good academic standing.

Praxis III: Independent Study

A Praxis III independent study places fieldwork at the center of a supervised learning experience. The course is comprised of an 8-10 hour per week internship at a site of the student’s choice and relevant readings, assignments and regular meetings with a faculty advisor.

Students who plan to undertake a Praxis III Independent Study must submit a proposal at pre-registration and obtain their dean’s approval.  Before the start of the semester, they also must work with their faculty advisor and field supervisor to complete a learning plan that outlines the curriculum for their course.  (Copies of the Praxis III Independent Study Proposal and the Praxis III Learning Plan are available on the “Praxis Student Resources” page).

At mid-semester, the Praxis Program hosts information sessions for students interested in developing a Praxis III course.  Praxis staff provides guidance and assistance to students in the course development process, as well as throughout the semester.

Fieldwork constitutes approximately 75% of the curriculum for this course.  Students typically complete 8-10 hours of fieldwork per week.

Students typically meet with their faculty advisor once every two weeks.

Praxis III courses are available to sophomores and above in good academic standing.

A student may take no more than two Praxis III courses during her Bryn Mawr career.

The Breakdown

Field Site Statistics	Praxis I Developmental Course	Praxis II Interdisciplinary Seminar	Praxis III Independent Study
Percentage of Coursework	25%	50%	75%
Visits Per Week	1	2	3
Hours Per Week	2-3	4-6	8-10