Independent Study

Independent study is an opportunity for students to explore a topic in greater depth than is typically possible within a more traditional course. One should think about independent study as a way to answer a very specific question or to synthesize different perspectives across disciplinary boundaries.

The initiative for independent study, therefore, rests with the student who should formulate her question and interests before she approaches a faculty member as an advisor. Independent study is always an exercise in analysis; the questions asked should always be "why" questions. The focus of independent study must be on a plausible explanation for an historical event or theoretical possibility. Research is a critical part of any independent study, but the "what" questions ("what happened to bring about these circumstances?") are simply means to the end of answering the question "why did events unfold in the particular ways that they did"?

Independent study can be undertaken at any point in a student's curriculum, although the first year is not a particularly good time. The self-discipline required for effective independent work is usually acquired only after mastering the demands of more traditional courses. Additionally, independent study can be pursued at different levels: students who wish to pursue more limited questions can choose the option of electing International Relations 295; those who wish to ask larger, more complex questions should elect International Relations 395.

Procedures

Formulating the Research Question

It is sometimes difficult for students to determine on their own whether to pursue independent study and at what level. Students should discuss their ideas with their advisor who should be able to assess the feasibility of a proposed project as well as suggest suitable faculty to serve as advisors to the project. After this consultation and a more careful formulation of the question, the student should approach a faculty member with expertise in the field of inquiry. This overture should be made as early as possible in the registration period before the proposed study since most faculty members try to limit the number of independent study projects they supervise.

Selecting an Advisor

The selection of an advisor need not be a complicated process. One tries to work with a faculty member who can offer the most substantive advice about ideas and sources, but it is also desirable to work with someone with whom one is familiar. Sometimes students work with Five College faculty; the procedures for off campus advising of independent study are well-established and students should speak with their advisor or the chair of the I.R. Program if they wish to pursue this option.

Expectations for Independent Study

Independent work usually means written work, but not necessarily a long essay. It could be a series of short essays, or even directed reading. It cannot be an internship or other field experience (College rules prohibit granting academic credit for internships), but a paper about theoretical issues relating to such experiences is permissable. The normal credits assigned to independent work are four each semester. However, depending on the topic and interest of the students, up to eight credits a semester is possible. The College limits the number of credits in independent study to sixteen out of the 128 required for graduation.

The most important element determining the expectations for independent study is an agreement between the student and her advisor about what is supposed to happen during the term. Different faculty have different expectations. Some may wish to meet on a weekly basis; others perhaps biweekly or even monthly. Some may only wish to evaluate written work at the end of the semester; others may wish to review ongoing work. All of these and other related issues should be clarified at the outset of the project. A structure which satisfies both the student and her faculty advisor is a critical determinant of the success of the project.

Finally, the nature of independent study places a great deal of responsibility on the student. Faculty advisors are expected to provide information about readings and to assess the integrity of arguments. Faculty will rarely take the lead in defining a subject or in structuring a course for independent study. The student proposing the project is expected to take the initiative in these areas.

Notifying the International Relations Program

The IR Program likes to know what projects are being pursued during the term, particularly since some senior independent study projects are transformed into honors projects in the second semester of the senior year. Read more about the honors process...

Students should submit a one-page proposal for their independent study which should be reviewed by the advisor before a copy is given to the administrative director of the International Relations Program, Ms. Linda Chesky Fernandes. This copy should be given to Ms. Fernandes in the first week of classes. The proposal should address the following matters:

• It should state the major question to be investigated, describing its importance as well as a very tentative answer (the hypothesis).
• It should describe the students background on the issue: courses taken, internships, or life experience.
• It should contain a brief bibliography, only to suggest the types of relevant readings in order to give the IR Committee an opportunity to make additional suggestions.
• It should identify the advisor to the project, as well as possibilities for a second advisor. For seniors, a second advisor from a discipline different from that of the primary advisor is required.

From that point on, the course of the independent study is entirely a matter between the student and her advisor(s): the requirements for successful completion of the project will be mutually determined by the student and her advisor. At the end of the term, the faculty member will give a grade to the student. If the project is continuing on to the next term, the student will be given a grade of "IP" (In Progress).