Enrolled in a directed study and wondering if it can count towards the IS Major? Please consult with your IS Major Advisor to discuss more.
If accepted, a directed study would count towards issues or elective credit.
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Finding an instructor to mentor you
- You will need to work out a project proposal (i.e. a brief proposal, working bibliography, etc) before approaching an instructor.
- Match your subject to an instructor, or work out a subject with an instructor you have had in the past and would like to work with further.
- Come up with at least two possible instructors to whom you can pitch your idea, and discuss your project proposal in person. Emailed pitches are more likely to get rejected.
- Don’t forget to relate your project back to the instructor’s own work, and consider their availability. How often are they willing/able to meet?
Finding appropriate content for your project
The content of your work must be relevant to the Major.
- Modern (post 1800s)
- International in scope. Topics pertaining to the United States of America must place the US within a global context (i.e. comparative institutions or policies, migration patterns from other regions into the US, flows of capital and goods between the US and foreign countries, etc…).
- Your topic must match your Track Option to be counted in Issues.
Tips for Success
-Discuss the enrollment process with your instructor (who will contact you about enrolling for the course, how many credits, etc…).
-Be specific about the scope and length of the project, research methods, and deadlines.
-Clarify the instructor’s role in evaluating your work throughout and at the end of the semester. Work with your instructor to create a regular meeting schedule throughout the semester.