Independent Study

Guided Reading 297 and Independent Study 397 provide an opportunity for a student to explore an academic area not part of the present College offerings. Either might include reading of a body of literature, reproducing published scientific experiments, learning advanced techniques, or exploring an art. The design of an independent project is very much in the hands of the student, with advice from the faculty director. Guided Reading and Independent Study, in comparison to projects conducted under the rubric of a Mentored Advanced Project, have less formal application procedures, require significantly less faculty direction, and do not have the expectation of producing results intended for dissemination to the wider scholarly community.

297 Guided Reading 2 credits

Guided Reading focuses on the reading of a body of literature under the direction of a faculty director and may culminate in a paper, examination(s), or other gradable product. A student is expected to meet once a week with the faculty director for discussion and analysis of the readings. Prerequisite: second-year standing; proposals must be approved by the faculty director, the academic adviser, and the dean of the College.

397 Independent Study 2 or 4 credits

Independent Study is intended for select students who are competent to participate in a program of study under faculty supervision. Independent Study culminates in at least one product (a paper, laboratory report, work of art, etc.). A student is expected to meet at least once a week with the faculty director. Prerequisite: second-year standing; proposals must be approved by the faculty director, the academic adviser, and the dean of the College.