Independent Study
With approval of a project director, a student may elect a course of independent study for which regular course credit will be given. A department will ordinarily approve one or two semesters of independent study. Where more than one semester's credit is sought for a project, the project will be subject to review by the department at the end of the first semester. In special cases, the Recording Committee, upon recommendation of the department, may extend credit for additional semester courses beyond two.
There are normally two kinds of independent study and each should be registered for under the appropriate course number. A directed reading course designed to allow a student to explore a subject not currently offered within the curriculum shall be numbered 291, 292, 293, or 294. An independent study that will culminate in substantial and original research; or in a fine arts, music, or creative writing project; or that is part of a departmental honors program shall be numbered 401 or higher. Independent study may not be taken on a Credit/Fail basis.
A regular grade shall be submitted at the end of each semester and shall become the grade for the individual semester of the course. In independent study and honors courses that will continue beyond one semester, instructors have the option of submitting at the end of each semester, except the last, a grade of S (for Satisfactory) in place of a regular grade. Regular grades shall be submitted at the end of the final semester and shall become the grades for the individual semesters of the course.
The Department of Religion encourages independent study only in areas relevant to a faculty member's expertise and interest, and in areas for which a student has been adequately prepared by successfully completing one or more regular courses offered by the department.
Honors in Religion
Courses of independent study leading to departmental honors are rigorous intellectual experiences. Students contemplating honors candidacy should possess a record of distinction in departmental courses, including those which support the project, a clearly-articulated, well-focussed proposal for research, and high measure of motivation and scholarly maturity. The faculty recommends that such students complete two semesters of independent study in preparing research papers for honors consideration.
Proposing an honors project:
Students contemplating a program of independent study leading to honors should be aware of the following expectations:
1. Honors Candidacy. Normally, proposals for honors projects shall be submitted for departmental approval along with registration for advanced independent study, and in any case no later than the end of the second week of the semester in which the project is undertaken. It is recommended, however, that honors candidates incorporate work from Religion 390 as part of their honors projects, or complete two semesters of independent study in preparing research papers for honors consideration. In this latter case, proposals are due no later than the second week of the fall semester of the senior year.
The proposal, which is prepared in consultation with a faculty member, consists of a 2-4 page statement, with bibliography, that clearly indicates the research topic, its theoretical importance in the study of religion, and a methodology for addressing the topic. Approval of the proposal by departmental faculty constitutes acceptance of the student's candidacy for honors. Copies of past proposals approved by the Faculty are available in the Departmental office. Students may consult these during regular business hours, 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday.
2. Research Paper. Candidates for departmental honors are expected to complete a research paper of high quality. In the past, papers have been about 60 pages in length. Papers are to be written in scholarly format and one copy made for each member of the department faculty. Submit your paper not later than one week before the conclusion of the semester's classes. Only minor typographical revisions may be made after this date in preparing the permanent copy for the College Library.
3. Oral Examination. Assuming the research paper merits consideration for honors, an oral examination will be scheduled during reading period. Conducted by all members of the departmental faculty, the examination will last about one hour. Conversations will focus on issues germane to the research paper and its wider implications for the study of religion.
4. Evaluation. On the basis of the research papers, the oral examination, and course work, the departmental faculty will determine whether or not the student is to be granted: (a) no honors; (b) honors; (c) high honors; (d) highest honors. The faculty considers past course work in religion only in those cases in which no clear consensus emerges on evaluating the honors paper and oral examinations. Candidates will be notified of their evaluation after all have completed their oral examinations.
5. Library. Error-free copies of research papers evaluated at the honors level or better are to be deposited in the Hawthorne-Longfellow Library not later than 5:00 p.m. on the Friday before the last faculty meeting of the year. (The Office of Student Records sends guidelines for the specified form and deposit of honors papers in the Library to each candidate.)