Independent Studies
Each Anthropology faculty member has their own section for each of the independent courses listed below. If you wish to enroll in one or more of these courses you must speak directly with the faculty member to discuss the nature and requirements of your independent study.
MA students may apply 8 units of any 596 taken for a letter grade toward the unit requirement for the Master's degree, and only 4 of the 8 units are applicable to the 24 unit minimum graduate-level course requirement.
The minimum and maximum number of units listed below is what is permitted per quarter, not for your graduate career.
Masters Students
596: Individual Studies for Graduate Students - 2-8 units, letter or S/U grading
Do not use 596 if you are solely conducting research for and preparing (writing) your capstone or thesis during a given quarter. Use 598 instead. Students can enroll in 596 and 598 during the same quarter if their work reflects this.
598: Research for and Preparation of M.A. Capstone Report or Thesis, 2-8 units, S/U grading only. This course can be used for those conducting research and preparing for their M.A. Capstone (exams and/or report) or thesis.
Doctoral Students
596: Individual Studies for Graduate Students - 2-8 units, letter or S/U grading
Do not use 596 if you are solely preparing for your written and oral qualifying exams during a given quarter. Use 597 instead. Students can enroll in 596 and 597 during the same quarter if their work reflects this.
597: Preparation for Ph.D. Qualifying Examination, 2-12 units, S/U grading only. This course can be used for those preparing for or taking their written qualifying exams or proposal defense.
Doctoral Candidates
596: Individual Studies for Graduate Students - 2-8 units, letter or S/U grading
Do not use 596 if you are solely conducting research for and writing your dissertation during a given quarter. Use 599 instead. Students can enroll in 596 and 599 during the same quarter if their work reflects this.
599: Research for Ph.D. Dissertation, 2-12 units, S/U grading only
To be used after advancing to doctoral candidacy for dissertation research or writing.
Selecting the appropriate number of units
The UCLA General Catalog defines units as, "One unit represents three hours of work per week per term by the student, including both class attendance and preparation." While there is no standard formula to follow when selecting the number of units for a 59x course since there is no class attendance, a good general rule of thumb is: 1 unit = 2-3 hours of work per week.
Independent Study Course Outside of Anthropology
You are permitted to take independent study courses outside of anthropology, but in order to enroll you will be required to get a PTE (permission to enroll) number from the instructor. You may also be required to fill out additional paperwork that is specific to the given department.