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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 adviser. 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 adviser who should be able
to assess the feasibility of a proposed project as well as suggest
suitable faculty to serve as advisers 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 Adviser
The selection of an adviser 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 adviser 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 adviser 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 adviser 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 advisers 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. The honors process is
described on another page.
Students should submit a one page proposal for their independent
study which should be reviewed by the adviser 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 adviser to the project, as well as possibilities
for a second adviser. For seniors, a second adviser from a discipline
different from that of the primary adviser is required.
From that point on, the course of the independent study is entirely
a matter between the student and her adviser(s): the requirements
for successful completion of the project will be mutually determined
by the student and her adviser. 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).
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