HSOC Independent Study

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Independent Study in HSOC 

Independent study in HSOC enables students to explore a topic of interest in depth.  And independent study is intended to be just that--independent.

Students work with an advisor to develop a reading list and project schedule. They should establish with the advisor a set of clear expectations about frequency of meetings and about how the advisor will read and grade their work.

  • HSOC majors may include one independent study in the major.
  • The deadline for applying for an Independent Study is no later than one week into the semester.
  • *Advisers for independent studies must have a University appointment.*
  • According to College policy, an internship may not be used as an independent study. However, an internship may be used as field work to collect research that may be used later as a part of independent study.
     

How to do an independent study in HSOC

  • Develop a plan (the plan for an independent study is the equivalent of a course syllabus spelling out readings, written work, and supervisor meetings) in conjunction with an advisor.
  • Submit the independent study application for HSOC 2999 or HSOC 4999 by no later than one week after the beginning of the term.
  • If your application is approved, the Associate Director will get you registered for the independent study (either HSOC 2999 or HSOC 4999).
     

There are two levels of independent studies available for HSOC majors. 

HSOC 2999: Independent Study

This must be the equivalent in terms of work load of any middle-level course offered in the regular curriculum (approximately 42 hours of class time, plus reading and research):

  • Average of 100 to 150 pages of reading per week for the term and a series of short papers
  • A schedule of regular assignments and meetings with the project's advisor throughout the term (every one to three weeks)
  • Work is graded by the project's advisor, but may be reviewed by the HSOC Undergraduate Chair and Associate Director
  • The advisor for HSOC 2999 should be someone in the College who has the expertise, time and willingness to meet with you several times a semester and grade your work
  • HSOC 2999 may be used as a concentration elective


HSOC 4999: Capstone Independent Study

This level of independent study is ONLY for fulfilling the HSOC capstone research requirement by writing an in-depth research essay.

  • A student must develop a plan of work that is the equivalent of a semester course at the 4000-level in terms of time (approximately 168 hours a term), amount/kind of reading and writing, and original research
  • The independent study must include a paper of independent research no less than 20 pages in length
  • HSOC 4999 may only be used to fulfill the capstone requirement, and only after the midpoint of the junior year (or during the last three terms before graduation)
  • All work is graded by the adviser to the independent study, but the paper may be reviewed by the HSOC Director and Associate Director
  • The advisor for a 4999 must be a core HSOC faculty member. In cases where the person with the expertise to direct an in-depth project on your topic is not on the HSOC faculty, you will need to arrange a co-advising situation in consultation with the HSOC Undergraduate Chair and Associate Director. Your advisors should be willing to meet with you several times, provide feedback, and grade the final paper.