Independent Study in STSC
Independent study in STSC 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.
The deadline for applying for an Independent Study is no later than one week into the semester.
There are two levels of independent studies available for STSC majors.
Students may do one independent study as part of their major. All independent studies, whether at the 2999-level or the 4999 capstone level, must engage most of the goals of the STSC major and be consistent with the curriculum. Through an independent study, students should:
- analyze the interplay of social factors that have resulted in particular scientific and technological outcomes both in the present and in the past;
- read scientific, technological, and historical texts critically, assessing their social, cultural, and political origins and ramifications;
- pursue research projects using published sources, technical and scientific data, and unpublished archival materials;
- deploy evidence and reasoning to build strong arguments about the relationships between science, technology, and society;
- analyze data using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
STSC 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
- A minimum of two (2) short papers totaling 15 to 30 pages of writing (We do not recommend a single research or term paper.)
- 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 STSC Undergraduate Chair and Associate Director
- The advisor for STSC 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
- If a student wishes to use STSC 2999 as a departmental elective, then the independent study must be supervised by department faculty
STSC 4999: Capstone Independent Study
This can be used ONLY to fulfill the capstone research requirement.
- Average of 150 pages of reading and research per week for the term
- One short midterm paper
- 20+-page original research paper (that involves gathering and analyzing data and primary material, not a synthetic secondary-source term paper)
- Regular meetings with project's advisor (at least every three weeks)
- Assume 42 hours of class time equivalency, plus reading and research time
- Work is graded by the project's advisor, but may be reviewed by the STSC Undergraduate Chair and Associate Director
NOTE: Regarding internships and independent studies, according to College policy, an internship may not be used as an independent study. However, an internship may be used as fieldwork to collect research that may be used later as a part of a separate independent study.
How to do an independent study in STSC
- 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 STSC 2999 or STSC 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 STSC 2999 or STSC 4999)