Independent study enables a student to pursue for course credit a research or other academic topic of interest under the supervision of a faculty member. Independent study is of two types:
Courses entitled Independent Study are individual, non-research, directed studies in a field of special interest on a previously approved topic taken under the supervision of a faculty member within the department and resulting in an academic and/or artistic product. Such independent study courses do not bear a Research (R) code and do not satisfy any general education requirements aside from the Small Group Learning Experience (SGLE) requirement.
Courses entitled Research Independent Study are individual research in a field of special interest under the supervision of a faculty member within the department, the central goal of which is a substantive paper or written report containing significant analysis and interpretation of a previously approved topic. Such research independent study courses carry a Research (R) code. One and only one research independent study may be submitted and approved for a Writing (W) code in addition to the R code designation. No other curriculum code designations are permitted for research independent study courses. Students who wish to request a W code for one research independent study course must complete the request for writing code form and submit it to 011 Allen Building by the end of the drop/add period in the semester they are enrolled in the course.
Policies
The following policies apply to both types of independent study:
Note: Though uncommon, it is not prohibited for a student to take more than one independent study course in a semester, provided that the work in both independent studies is clearly distinct. Students in Trinity College may not receive academic credit for work (e.g., in a laboratory, an internship, etc.) for which they receive monetary compensation.
Procedures
Online Form to be completed if there is no required departmental form.