INSDSG 696: Independent Study

Graduate Catalog Description

This course focuses on comprehensive study of a particular topic or area in instructional design, as determined by the needs of the individual student. The student works under the guidance and supervision of the instructor.

Prerequisite: Permission of graduate program director.

3 Lect Hrs, 3-6 Credits

What is an Independent Study?

An Independent Study course is meant to give students the opportunity to tailor coursework to their specific interests, talents, and goals in ways that normal courses do not. They provide the means for intense study of a particular topic or technology. For example, if you learn about a specific theoretical framework in a course and want to study it more in depth, an independent study could allow you to do this. Or, if you learn the basics of a specific instructional technology in a course, you could use an independent study to focus on more advanced features of the program. Students completing an independent study course work under the guidance of a faculty member in the INSDSG program.

Students should have completed at least six (6) courses before taking an Independent Study course. Students in the Master's program may take a maximum of two Independent Study courses for a total of 6 credit hours. These may be completed as two different Independent Study courses or as one Independent Study course that spans two semesters. Graduate Certificate students mayonly take one 3-credit Independent Study in lieu of an elective.

What are the expectations of an Independent Study?

An Independent Study course is not meant to be course replacements. Though students may certainly study or apply concepts and technologies touched on in class, an Independent Study course cannot be used to substitute for a specific INSDSG course.

An Independent Study course is a 3-credit hour course, which means that the amount of time spent on an Independent Study course should be equivalent toa regular 3-credit, graduate-level course. This means that an Independent Study course should require around 9 hours per week or 135 hours for a 15-week semester (this includes 3 50-minute "seat" hours plus a minimum of 2 hours of preparation for each 50-minute class).

What role do faculty members play in an Independent Study course?

Each Independent Study course needs one faculty member willing to serve as faculty of record. Early in the process of thinking about an independent study course, a student should consult faculty members who have expertise or interest in the proposed topic. Through these initial consultations, the student can begin to give shape to the project. Together, the student and the faculty member decides on what readings or activities will take place, how work will be evaluated, and what the schedule of deliverables will be. An Independent Study course is student-directed and faculty-guided, meaning that the student will take the main responsibility for putting the project details in place including the creation of goals/objectives for the project. The faculty member can help guide the student towards resources and practice activities and can answer questions along the way. The end product of an Independent Study course should be a publishable-worthy original research paper or literature review, or instructional/multimedia materials.

How do I sign up for an Independent Study course

There are several steps to begin an Independent Study course. It is imperative that you begin the process as early as possible prior to the semester in which the Independent Study course will take place. For example, if you want to complete an Independent Study course over the summer, you should begin thinking about your topic and identifying a faculty member with whom you could work in March or April. Your Independent Study course syllabus should be submitted to your academic advisor for approval at least one week before the semester starts. Below are the steps you need to take:

1. Decide on a topic or technology you would like to pursue in in-depth. At this stage, you may wish to consult with your academic advisor to run ideas by him/her or if you need help in identifying a faculty member with whom to work.
2. Identify the faculty member with whom you would like to work and arrange an initial consultation to see if the person has the interest and time to work with you. Please note that it is your responsibility to identify and contact the faculty member with whom you would like to work.
3. Complete an Independent Study course syllabus in consultation the faculty member. On the syllabus, you will identify a schedule for the various deliverables associated with the project.
4. Ask the faculty member to send the syllabus to your academic advisor. Request that the faculty member copy you on this message. This will act as a confirmation from you and the faculty member that the Independent Study course is to be scheduled in the system so you can officially register for the course in Wiser.