ALL 8100 - Independent Study

Criteria for Independent Study (ALL 8100) Course Offerings

At Saybrook University we welcome the opportunity for students to engage in an in-depth exploration of topics that might not be offered within an already-approved course format within one of the degree programs. Students come to Saybrook with myriad interests, and the exploration of new and emerging topics is an exciting and stimulating endeavor. However, in order to ensure that ALL 8100 offerings are appropriate, the following guidelines have been established. When petitioning to enroll in an ALL 8100 offering,

• The student must compose a one- to two-page description of the proposed ALL 8100 course. This must include 1) a description of the content to be explored, 2) the number of equivalent semester credits associated with such new learning (i.e., 1 credit = 45 hours of directed study), 3) a list of learning objectives associated with the proposed new learning, 4) a discussion of ways in which new learning will occur (e.g., reading in the relevant literature, interviews with experts in the field, use of other media, etc.), 5) a discussion of ways in which the student will demonstrate that new learning has occurred (e.g., written papers, presentation of ideas at a professional conference, etc.), 6) the proposed instructor's necessary expertise in the topic area, 7) how this ALL 8100 topic is different from other already-established courses that are currently offered through Saybrook University, and 8) a preliminary bibliography of scholarly sources to be consulted during the proposed ALL 8100 course. Any ALL 8100 course should be student initiated

• The proposed instructor must accept responsibility for oversight of such approved ALL 8100 courses. The instructor must be able to 1) support his or her content area expertise to direct such an independent study, 2) ensure that the course content is not offered within an already-established course format, and 3) set clear boundaries with the student about completion expectations.

When the student has created the above rationale and it has been approved by the proposed instructor, such requests for ALL 8100 courses are to be sent to the degree program director for review. If approved, the degree program director will then request that the Registrar's office finalize the ALL 8100 registration.

This course affords students the opportunity to design a course based on their specific interests and needs that is not offered under the regular curriculum. Students should begin by consulting with the intended instructor. Students may not duplicate an existing Saybrook course using Independent Study. 1-3 credit(s)