Independent Study

Catalog description

Independent studies provide a flexible opportunity for faculty and students to work together in pursuing a topic of special interest that is not sufficiently covered by other courses in the curriculum. The content of independent studies is highly specialized and, as such, requires a plan of study developed jointly by the student(s) and the supervising faculty member. Plans for independent study should include: a statement of the issues(s) to be studied; a rationale for why the identified issue(s) should be pursued via an independent study; a statement of how the independent study fits into the student’s overall educational plan; a summary of the independent study’s major learning objectives; the methods to be used in carrying out the study; a workable plan; the educational “products” that will result from the study (normally a written report or paper); and the expected date by which the independent study will be completed. Independent Study Course Approval Form The process for arranging an independent study requires approval of both the student’s academic advisor and a faculty member who has agreed to conduct the independent study. The procedures to be followed are: The student discusses interest in doing an independent study with the academic advisor. If the advisor concurs with the student’s submission, the advisor and student will discuss potential faculty sponsors. If a faculty sponsor can be located, the student and faculty sponsor craft the specific plan, including learning objectives, content, and structure for the course. The academic advisor informs the registrar that an independent study for the student has been approved. On the rare occasions that a student is unable to schedule a regular School course, the educational advisor makes a recommendation to the NPL Faculty Director who will try to identify a standing or adjunct faculty member able to supervise…