Directed Study (PS 698/699)
Directed Study is an opportunity for students to plan independent
research and reading under the direction of a faculty member. The reason for
this type of course reflects a desire to go beyond the limits of a particular
course and examine tangential issues, or it is stimulated by a student's strong
interest in a particular aspect of Political Science and the desire to pursue
that interest. Directed Study is also a means for students to receive
credit for academic work conducted as part of an internship.
The range of earned credit is 1-4 credits per course. Students are restricted
to a total of five (5) credits of Directed Study to be applied toward the major.
(Note: this restriction applies only to Directed Study within the department and
toward the major.) Although the work expected by faculty may vary, it would be
reasonable to expect to write a paper of approximately ten (10) pages per
credit.
A faculty member must first consent to work with a student on a directed
study. Students who wish to undertake this type of independent research or
an internship must make all arrangements with the faculty member under whose
supervision credit will be granted. This should include the following:
- A study plan;
- Arrangements for regular meetings;
- The number of credits (1 to 4) which will be earned;
- The specific course number which will be entered on the study list (i.e., P.S. 199 for freshmen and sophomores). Note that there are three types of Directed Study:
199--2 credits,
letter-graded. For freshmen and sophomores with written consent
of instructor and a prior course in Poli. Sci.
698--graded
credit/no credit, not subject to a letter grade. This is most
appropriate and feasible for internships and other types of work in which it is
difficult to find an appropriate academic basis for grading. Credit is awarded
for satisfactory performance of specific work carried out in a non-academic
setting.
699--1 to 4 credits, letter-graded. Generally
based on academic and independent study for which depth of understanding and
comprehension of the subject matter, etc., can be academically judged.
- In the case of an internship, the arrangements for the internship placement
and the nature of the academic work to be performed for credit must be agreed
upon.
Prerequisites for 698/699 coursework include junior year
status, and prior coursework at the intermediate level as a minimum preparation.
The obligation to find a supervising professor for Directed Study rests with
the student. The decision to do this type of work should find its roots in
strong interests in particular aspects of Political Science. Faculty members
reserve the privilege of Directed Study for those students who have demonstrated
the ability to work independently, who can focus their efforts on a specialized
topic, and who can write well.
NOTES:
- If your gradepoint is exactly at 2.0 please see the advisor before requesting Authorization for P.S. 698
- No more than a total of 6 credits of Directed Study (199, 698, 699) and/or Internship (427, 478) may be counted toward the major.