Enrolled in a directed study and wondering if it can count towards the IS Major? Please complete the Directed Study Petition Form below and submit it to the IS Major Advisors for consideration.
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.