Independent Study Guidelines: English Department

The Department does not normally offer Independent Study courses. Students who want to pursue a specific subject in depth should do so in their senior projectrs.  In extenuating circumstances, however, it is possible to design an Independent Study course to meet graduation requirements that cannot be met by the regular course offerings during the regular academic year. In addition, the proposed course should not be used to engage students in doing research for faculty members.

Setting up an independent study

Students interested in pursuing the Independent Study option must:

1) Design a proposal that meets the criteria explained in the "Proposal Criteria" section below;

2) Present the proposal to the department chair who will review whether to approve or refuse the request to pursue an Independent Study;

3) In consultation with the department chair identify a faculty member who, after reviewing the proposal, consents to supervise the student in her/his Independent Study.

Proposal criteria

•Students must submit their proposals at least one block in advance of the proposed block of study.

•Students must provide a rationale in which they explain why they cannot do the work in a course regularly offered.

•Students should include in their applications for Independent Study a detailed course syllabus that a) provides a description of the proposed course of study which includes course goals and course assignments (written or otherwise) that the student will complete during the Independent Study; b) provides a list of course readings, including primary and secondary critical sources.