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Independent Study

Download the complete guidelines and registration form for 187:105 Independent Study in International Studies.

Planning Your Independent Study

The International Studies program offers students the opportunity to earn major credit for independent work with a University of Iowa faculty member. Independent projects must be approved by the International Studies program prior to student registration.

Criteria

  • Students must submit a Project Proposal and completed Registration Preapproval form prior to registration.
  • If students wish for 187:105 Independent Study in International Studies to satisfy any part of their International Studies major requirements, prior approval must be granted by the International Studies program office.
  • Students may earn no more than 3 s.h. for each enrollment in 187:105, with a maximum of 9 s.h. for all registration in 187:105.
  • Students must be in academic good standing to register for 187:105 Independent Study in International Studies.

Project Proposal

Students must attach a project proposal to the Registration Preapproval form. The proposal must be typed and must include:

  • A one-page description of the project, including:
    • the dates and location of your work
    • a specific research question
    • a brief narrative
    • the final form of the project (research paper, poster presentation, multi-media project, etc)
    • the grading criteria to be used by your faculty supervisor (i.e. 40% methodology, 20% style...)
    • a rationale for the number of semester hours requested for the project
  • A timeline for the project, including but not limited to:
    • a plan for a preliminary literature review
    • how often and by what method you will consult with your faculty mentor throughout the project
    • target completion dates for the first and second drafts of your project, if applicable
    • a final completion date
  • A reading list, in a recognized bibliography format, including at least ten works consulted in your preliminary planning and identification of a research question.
  • If you intend to complete your Independent Study while off campus you must include:
    • information regarding your overseas contacts and resources
    • your plan for ongoing communication with your faculty mentor
    • an explanation as to what preliminary work you intend to pursue before departure
  • Proof that an application has been submitted to the Human Subjects Office if necessary (see Registration Preapproval form)