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ELIGIBILITY
- Independent
studies are designed for upperclassmen majors. A goal
of independent studies is to provide students with
the opportunity of studying a particular topic in
depth, under the supervision of one of the department’s
faculty.
-
Independent studies will not be used as substitutes
for courses given by the department.
- Normally,
independent studies build upon previous course work.
CONTENT
An
independent study may take many forms. One possible
approach is to carry out research on a particular issue
or problem; another approach is to examine the general
literature in a particular field for which we offer
no courses. The content of the independent study will
thus depend on the purposes of the study.
If
the goal is to examine the literature of a field of
politics, the student should at a minimum provide evidence
of:
- A
systematic reading program, covering some of the key
books, articles and other materials connected with
the subject.
- A
review of that reading program. The review could take
the form of an oral, written or combined synthesis
of the reading program.
If
the independent study is concerned with research about
a particular subject or theme, the student should provide
a written paper, with appropriate bibliographical entries.
Whatever
approach the independent study takes, it should be kept
in mind that the student's efforts should not significantly
differ from the time commitments assigned to regular
lecture courses. The goal of the independent study is
to provide flexibility to learn.
ADMINISTRATION
-
The initiative to arrange an independent study is
with the student. Arrangements should be made well
in advance of the semester for which independent study
is proposed.
- The
student should work with the professor best able to
assist the student's particular interests.
-
The student should expect to meet regularly with his
advisor to ensure proper supervision.
Next:
Honors Program
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