By Matt McCullough ’17
Looking for opportunities to take a unique, in-depth learning experience? One of the courses offered to many majors including Sociology and Anthropology is an “independent study” course.
What is Independent Study?
According to the OHIO website, it is: “independent directed readings designed to expand student’s understanding in selected area of interest.”
In other words, you can explore any topic and sub-field within you discipline that you want.
The course can be taken for at least one credit hour and no more than three credit hours. A single offering typically only enrolls one to three students, so it is a very tight-knit group.
Class meetings are “arranged” and worked out between you and your instructor. There are usually several offerings of the course, each with a different instructor.
Initial Expectations
I am a Sociology major who enrolled in my major’s independent study course, which is “SOC 3930 Readings in Sociology.” I am taking the course for two credit hours with an instructor I have had and enjoyed courses with in the past.
Upon my first meeting with my instructor, I found that the structure of the course is negotiated between us.
It was completely up to me to decide how much to read, what to read about, what kind of grades would there be, etc., because the intent of the course is to explore topics that cannot be discussed in much depth in most courses. There is also no quota on how often and how long I need to meet with my instructor.
It was quite a strange feeling.
In my entire college career, the instructor always gave a syllabus that outlined everything that would happen the entire semester. With this course, it seemed everything was up in the air. It is my responsibility to determine what I learn about and what activities I do.
Since I am taking the course for two credit hours, I need to do the workload I would normally do for a three-credit hour course, except slightly less.
The only purpose my instructor serves in the course is to answer questions I may have along the way, to approve of what I plan to read about, and to grade the work I do utilizing that new-found knowledge.
Why Take an Independent Study Course?
The beauty of this course is that it can serve the needs of any student.
If there are topics a student wishes to explore more, or if there is no course offered on a certain subject, this course gives students the opportunity to learn about these topics. It can also be a nice change from sitting in a lecture hall.
There is no assigned textbook.
While a traditional textbook can be used, you choose what you read, which will almost certainly be resources that are free to access. I certainly welcome the opportunity to save money!
It is a really nice opportunity to take a class one-on-one with a favorite instructor.
Dr. Steven Scanlan, with whom I took this course encourages students to “take the course with an instructor who has expertise in the topics a student wishes to explore. In some cases, an instructor may not be able to work with a student if the student is not studying in an area in which the instructor specializes.”
Since it can be taken for as little as one or two credit hours, it can also work nicely for you if you need just a little extra enrollment credit.
Flexibility and Commitment
This course is built completely around your schedule. All the work is done on your own time. This flexibility makes it very convenient when trying to work out a class schedule.
Taking this course also shows high levels of motivation and effort.
It is worth mentioning when applying to certain programs. Also, the relationship you form with your instructor may result in excellent recommendation letters.
But what are some possible disadvantages of taking the course?
This course can easily become the last priority among the other classes and obligations every student juggles.
It may help to take the course with an instructor who will sympathize. Since this course is constructed entirely by you, there are no concrete due dates. You can also change the structure of the course at any time.
However, it is important to remember that this is still a college class!
Regular communication with the instructor is expected, readings must be done, and you must be able to use the knowledge gained in some gradable way. So while it is more stress-free than most courses, that can also lead to it being treated as less important, and therefore neglected.
It might also be difficult to handle the independence and lack of structure. This is not a course for slackers.
Interested?
Students who are interested can see their major’s offerings in Course Offerings. To search, type in desired subject, then the catalog number “3930.” There is also an independent research course numbered “4940.” Enrollment is by “permission” only, meaning students must get the instructor’s approval to officially enroll.
Independent study courses offer a unique way of learning.
Offered in almost every major, all students can benefit from taking this course.
Consider it for next semester.
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