Independent or Directed Study
Overview
A directed study is a reading or research course for students who wish to investigate a particular topic of interest within Interdisciplinary Studies. This typically involves reading and learning material in a particular area, as well as completing multiple assignments and projects throughout the term under the guidance of an IIS Faculty member/Instructor. The student is responsible for contacting and selecting a Faculty supervisor for their directed study. Profiles of IIS Faculty can be found on our website: https://carleton.ca/iis/faculty-and-staff/.
Students may not take more than one credit of Directed Study in their total program.
Getting Started
Once you have found a faculty member to supervise your directed study, you must work with them to prepare a detailed plan. It must be structured like a course and include:
- all topics that will be covered (including assigned reading materials)
- all deliverables (e.g., assignments, projects, reports, etc.) that must be completed
- evaluation criteria showing the breakdown of percentages assigned to each deliverable
- frequency and duration of meetings
There are no scheduled classes, however regular meeting times are agreed upon between the supervisor and the student.
When you and your supervisor have agreed on a plan, you both must complete, sign, and return the Directed Study Approval Form to iis@carleton.ca as soon as possible. The proposal will then pass to the Undergrad/Grad Coordinator for final approval and override privileges.
Evaluation/Grading
University grading regulations in terms of letter grades apply to Directed studies as any other course. They must be completed – and final papers submitted – by no later than the last day of classes for a given term. Grading follows the plan laid out in your proposal. It may be based entirely on a final paper or may be based on a paper and other requirement (i.e., a preliminary literature review, written tests, smaller papers).
Application Form
All students must apply to register in a directed studies course code. It is the student’s responsibility to contact a Faculty supervisor and obtain their consent to supervise directed study. Profiles of IIS Faculty can be found on our website: https://carleton.ca/iis/faculty-and-staff/.
Students will be advised of the Course code for registration upon approval of their application. Application form should only be used for Directed studies in CHST, HRSJ or INDG.