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Independent studies

An independent study is a Dartmouth course designed by an individual student in conjunction with a faculty advisor. All independent studies must be approval in advance by the faculty of the Department on the basis of a written proposal. The student then receives permission to register for CLST 85, GRK 85, or LAT 85 as one-third of their three-course load for the term in question.

 

Directions for developing an independent study proposal: 

A proposal for an Independent Study should, in consultation with a member of the department, be submitted to the chair of Classics prior to the course-election period for the term in which the proposed Independent Study will take place. Late submissions will be considered, but permission to take the course cannot be granted until the Department votes on the proposal.
As a credit-bearing course, an Independent Study carries a workload equivalent to, or greater than, a typical Dartmouth course. As such, students are expected to meet with the advisor of the Independent Study no less than once a week, to invest no less than twelve hours per week in the Independent Study and to submit deliverables that can be assessed by the advisor for a grade.
The proposal should contain the following:

  1. Name of the faculty advisor.
  2. A brief rationale for the Independent Study.
  3. A reading list (both primary, if relevant, and secondary sources) for the Independent Study, preferably indicated on a week-by-week basis. [NB: readings can be added, substituted, or eliminated during the term if the advisor agrees].
  4. A firm indication of what work will be submitted to the advisor for a grade, including due dates. Depending on the nature of the Independent Study, this could take many forms—e.g. multiple essays, oral exams, and/or a final project/paper.
  5. A clear statement of why the goals of the Independent Study are not achievable through the regularly scheduled curriculum of the department.