Independent Study

Independent Study (IS) is a course of study that allows students to explore areas of study that are not provided as a regular course offering at the university, or to pursue areas of study in more depth or specificity. For example, a Speech Communication major might take a course in Oral Interpretation and decide to pursue a more specific independent study in the Oral Interpretation of Latina Literature. In another case, a Speech Communication major may be interested in becoming a mediator and decide to pursue an independent study in conflict resolution.

An Independent Study is designed by a student in conjunction with an Independent Study Faculty advisor. Any permanent faculty member can serve as an Independent Study Faculty advisor. The student should write a proposal for the project in consultation with the Independent Study Faculty advisor including the description, rationale, assessment items, and meeting times. The Independent Study is subject to the approval of the chair of the Department of Communication Studies and Theatre. A student wishing to pursue an Independent Study course should contact a faculty member the semester before the Independent Study is to take place.

Request for Independent Study Course form.

Samples of previous Independent Studies:
Communication and Humor: An Analysis of Communication Techniques of Comedians
Oral Interpretation Coaching: Oral Interpretation Performance Lab Assistantship
Fairy Tales and Performance: Performing Multiple Versions of Fairy Tales for Young Audiences