Doing Independent Study lets you earn course credit by working on a research and/or creative project under the supervision of a faculty member. The usual course number for Independent Study in each department and program is 399; some use other course numbers for independent work as well.
The content and level of "independence" in an Independent Study can vary greatly and will often change over time. For example, your research project may stem from your own persistent interest in a particular topic that you wish to study in more detail. Alternatively, other students become involved in ongoing faculty research. In this instance, you may start out doing background reading and attending weekly meetings with your supervising professor and his or her graduate students. You might also help out with routine tasks in a lab. As you gain more knowledge and experience, you may contribute more actively to research meetings, engage in more intellectually challenging activities, and help to shape the direction of future research.
How can you find someone with whom to do an Independent Study? You can talk to your major adviser, the Director of Undergraduate Studies in your major, or a professor whose classes and research are pertinent to your interest. You can also consult your department or program’s website; faculty bios will have information about their research interests. You may want to inquire at the department’s office if any faculty are seeking research assistants.
Different departments have different policies for setting up and registering for independent studies. Ask your faculty adviser about this, and be sure to start the process well in advance of the beginning of the quarter! You should also familiarize yourself with Weinberg College's rules and policies for independent studies.
